How do I help a friend in need who is actively cutting himself? Please help, they have multiple scars already
why are they cutting?
Telling them off isn't going to do anything. In my experience, the cutting alone isn't necessarily done to attempt to kill themselves if that's what you're worried about. It's about being able to exert a bit of personal control when life feels overwhelming and uncontrollable. Try figuring out what their stressors and life looks like. It's not your job to save them but you can be there for them as they navigate their stressors. Try to help minimize harm (make sure they have bandages, antibiotic ointment, clean razors/blades that should be disposed of with each use, and some suture closures). Good luck anon.
>>34604667Only your friend has control over his actions. You can't quit for him. Don't burn yourself out.
>>34604680If i haven't asked that I wouldn't have made this thread >>34604712I'm trying to understand but he is really dismissive and intentionally changing subjects. I had him disinfect and bandage his cut though so he won't get further hurt.>>34604763I'm in a bad place myself but helping my friend is more important because he is important to me
>>34604767>>I'm in a bad place myself but helping my friend is more important because he is important to metake care of yourself first so that you have the strength to help him.
>>34604667offer him low calorie food when your are hanging out. Should help his cut
>>34604667I think just being there for him is already of great help. Let him know you're his friend and that you care for him.Try to have him open up to you, and find out what is causing him to do this. Try to listen and understand him, offer him a shoulder, try to take his mind off of things that are causing him to do self-harm. Advise him best you can, and just let him know he can count on you.
>>34604667Fake problem manufactured by sympathy baiters. Teach him how to not be a little bitch
>>34604667Cutting is a lot more complex than some people think (psychologically speaking). In many people it's a coping mechanism: they're in emotional pain, the cutting releases endorphins which makes them feel better. Clearly it's not a *healthy* coping mechanism; but it may be the only one they have. And if you force them to stop cutting suddenly it's possible this may trigger a full-blown crisis such as actual suicide. So be careful. Most likely the only thing you can do is encourage him to get help for whatever is causing the emotional pain, so he can find other ways of dealing with it. Alternatively, you could take a more radical approach and encourage him to get into S&M: a competent sadist can give him all kinds of pain without leaving a scar!
