Teenagers love to rely on each other when they have a problem.
When it comes to self-harm, teenagers usually tell their friends first.
It can be tough to know what to do to help a teen who struggles with these urges.
Watch this video for 4 ways to help a teen who struggles with self harm.
⚠️ Content Warning: This video contains content related to Self Harm. Please take the appropriate steps to protect your mental health + expectations. In the US you can text the Crisis Text Line 24/7 at 741-741.
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It's inevitable that when a friend is suffering, caring teens are going to want to help.
However, as a teen themselves, they aren't fully equipped to handle all of their own problems, let alone the heavy problems of a friend.
That doesn’t mean you won’t find yourself in a position of wanting to help another teen who struggles with self-harm.
Keep Reading to Find Out to Help….
1- Let your friend know you care about her, but you're not a trained professional.
Reminding your friend that you care about them is super important! However, reminding them Hey- I'm still a kid too can be really important in helping with tip #2.
2- Tell a safe, responsible adult.
Talking to a Parent, School Counselor, Therapist, or another safe, responsible adult is key. The girls in my Teen Girl Therapy Groups often give each other the helpful strategy of offering to go with your friend to the school counselor or school social worker to be a support.
Asking for help can feel scary- doing it alone can be even scarier- which is why going with them to talk can be so helpful!
3- Provide crisis and emergency numbers if they need help sooner than you can reply.
Making sure you, your teen, and your teen's friend know the crisis and emergency numbers is also really important in these situations.
In CT, we're fortunate to have a state-wide crisis line kids and their families can access 24/7 by dialing 211.
Other helpful numbers to know are:
US National Crisis Text Line: 741-741
US National Lifeline for Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
And in the case of a physical emergency, there's always 911
4- Share what coping strategies help you in a tough time.
One strategy that often gets overlooking is also talking about what else does work in a healthier way. The girls shared they find holding an ice cube, running cool water on their forearm, and doing something distracting are all strategies they love to use when they're dealing with a difficult, overwhelming emotion.
If you’re ready to start seeing a therapist, make sure you reach out to someone local to you. If you happen to live in the Woodbridge, CT area, we’d love to connect with you here:
If you are concerned that you, or someone you know, may be considering killing themselves, please connect them with help.
SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
1-800-273-8255
✨ Call 24/7 ✨
