To All Those Who Have A Loved One Who Self-Injures,
Self Injury can be painful for not only those who do it-- but those who know and love them as well. Unfortunately, many of those who SI do not get the support, care, and love they need from their family and friends. It's true that sometimes it's hard to know what to do, but by just showing that you're there for them can make a big difference.
To better understand your loved one, the best thing you can do is educate yourself. Find articles on SI, talk to other people who SI or know someone who does. Join a support group, read up on the subject. Just by understanding it you'll be able to make better decisions when it comes to helping your friend or family remember feel better or even recover. Keep in mind, though, that the Self Injurer needs to have the will to recover and the time to do it before the next step forward can be taken. You cannot force recovery upon them, just as you cannot prevent them from SIing. They have to want it. Until then, the best thing you can do is show your love.
More information, tips, and advice from other SIers and those who know someone who SI's will soon be posted, so check back for updates!
Sincerely,
The SI-Aware Team
Advice
"Get counseling, get your coping skills up and running and make sure you are well." -- A former Self Injurer.
"Be supportive and don't make fun of them." -- A Self Injurer in the process of quitting.
"Don't automatically assume someone does it for 'attention.' The person needs your help, not your criticism."-- A current Self Injurer.
"Be supportive. My family doesn't know because I have chosen not to tell them. I know that they would never understand. All you can do is make sure the SI'er knows that someone cares. Don't yell. Just love them."-- A current Self Injurer.
"Give them nothing but support. Don't make them feel bad about what they do."-- A current Self Injurer.
"Talk about it."-- A current Self Injurer
"Don't start it."-- A current Self Injurer
Got some advice you'd like to share? Email it to SI.Aware.Support@gmail.com and you might see it here!