Pixabay Images

Pixabay Images

When you and I were young it was unlikely we ever had to support a friend who was self-harming, simply because self-harm was not as widespread.  I consider this is a huge ask for any 14 year old.  It can create an incredible amount of stress for young people who genuinely want to see their friends thrive.  Feelings can range from shock, concern, helplessness and anxiety.  Some young people feel highly responsible for their friend’s behaviour become burdened with the job of helping them.

If you are a young person who is supporting a friend who is self-harming I want to commend you for your courage and care.  A friend can make all the difference during a challenging time. I hope these five tips will empower you be the best friend you can be.

Tip 1:  Know Your Place

You aren’t their mother, so save the lectures and check in phone calls. You aren’t their counsellor, so don’t attempt to solve their problems or come up with all the answers. You are their friend, and heaven knows they need a friend right now.  Friends love unconditionally, care, listen, have fun and protect one another.  Stay in this headspace and you are well on your way to being a great support to them.

Tip 2:  Don’t Change a Thing

When you first find out that a friend is self-harming one or both of you might feel awkward, uncomfortable, embarrassed or scared of how it may change your relationship.  The temptation is to either throw yourself into crisis mode and spend every waking moment together or avoid each other altogether.  I suggest that you do neither.  Make a conscious effect to keep your friendship routine normal.  Don’t change a thing!  Talk about normal things and enjoy normal things.

Tip 3:  Make a Deal

A friend would never humiliate a friend who was self-harming by sharing that information with other people.  However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t need to talk to an adult from time to time.  I suggest you make a deal with your friend.  Ask your friend to help you choose an adult you could contact if you were ever worried about them.  If your friend ever mentions suicide you need to be strong enough to ask for an adult’s help. That can take courage.

Tip 4:  Educate Yourself

The opposite of self-harm is self-care.  People who self-harm have often forgotten how to care for themselves.  “I-cope” is a great app (available of $3.49 from the App Stores) which outlines self-care strategies which fall into the following categories:

  • Social – Talk to a friend, be with people, help someone else, go to a public place
  • Physical – Exercise, go to the gym, rip up paper, go swimming
  • Constructive – Do homework, clean room
  • Comfort – Cuddle toy, take a shower, wear your PJs, drink hot chocolate
  • Fun – Watch a DVD, surf the internet, see a movie, listen to music, read, play with a pet
  • Creative – Write a letter, do some art, play music, make a compilation

All of these strategies are great replacements for self-harm and things you can suggest to a friend who is feeling like they want to self-harm.

Tip 5.  Don’t Forget About Yourself

One of the most important things that you can do when caring for others is to care for yourself.  Don’t feel guilty for turning your phone off when you have another priority.  Don’t ever neglect your own goals or your schoolwork.  Stay true to who you are and allow those who love you to talk to you if they feel you are extending yourself beyond what you can handle.

– Michelle Mitchell

Michelle Mitchell is the Founder of Youth Excel, an organisation that works to support young people achieve good mental health and positive wellbeing.