A 42-year-old member asked:
How can i help a friend who self-harms?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Encourage: Encourage your friend to obtain help from a therapist who has expertise in Dialectical behavioral therapy.
2.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
I know some one who self harms, how could i help?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Self- harming.: 1. Let that person know that you care. 2. Encourage that person to get psychiatric help. Dialetical Behavioral Therapy is the gold standard for this.
2.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 50-year-old member asked:
How to help raise awarness for self harm?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Blumenfieldanswered
Psychiatry 58 years experience
Speak to a doctor: Any awareness of feelings about hurting oneself should be followed up immediately by seeing a mental health professional. If it is easier to first talk to your family doctor that can be the first step. In an emergency you can go to the hospital or call 911
Remember treatment works and you shouldn't have to be alone with thoughts about self harm. Get help before you act on such thoughts.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Could ice help self harm scars?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Ice is not: likely to prevent or reducing scarring. Please consider dialectical behavioral therapy instead of cutting. Take care.
3.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
What to do if i need help with my self harm addiction?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Barbara Toohillanswered
Clinical Psychology 13 years experience
Combination therapy: Self-harm is a very serious addictive behavior. Depending on the type of self harm it is not only harmful in itself but can also place one at risk for secondary illness or infection. A combination of counseling to explore the underlying issues driving the behavior and medication to improve depression/anxiety symptoms is likely to be the most effective. Don't wait!
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Pamela Pappas commented
Psychiatry 43 years experience
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy can be especially useful for people in these situations.
Jul 12, 2013
A 30-year-old member asked:
I'm getting addicted to self harm. Please help?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
This is not a : Healthy form of coping. Please look in to dialectical behavior therapy. It can be very beneficial and will provide you with better ways to handle things. Take care.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 27, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.