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 25 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
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Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
How to tell my close friend I have self harm and cutting problems?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
At a quiet time: I hope that in addition to wanting to tell a close friend, you're also talking regularly with a therapist about these things? Therapists are trained to understand and help you in ways that friends cannot. Before speaking with your friend, you might consider what you want from him or her. Then, you could wait for a quiet time to share -- including what you're doing to help yourself with this.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
How come I am addicted to self harm?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Alianswered
Psychiatry 32 years experience
Self-harm: Habitual self-harm can be one of features of borderline personality disorder where there is identity diffusion & the act is resorted to in attempt to enlist feeling of temporary relief of discomfort that results from painful traumatic memories. Consult a therapist who specializes with dialectical behavior therapy.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Is there any way I can address my self harm issues without going to see a professional?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
It depends: Professionals are there to assist you -- but you could start by confiding in someone you trust and who treats you with care and respect. You could share the feelings and experiences that lead to urges to harm yourself. If these urges are severe -- or are suicidal -- you definitely need to consult a professional. Here's a site with info to begin: http://www.Helpguide.Org/mental/self_injury.Htm.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Is it strange that I get a high from self-harm?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Alianswered
Psychiatry 32 years experience
High: Euphoria from self harm can be feature of borderline personality disorder where person elicits harm to relieve inner feelings of emptiness and tension brought on by negative emotions. Theoretically results from release of endorphins in brain.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
How can you stop self harm before it starts?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
Be in therapy: If you have ongoing impulses to harm yourself -- either suicidal or other things like self-cutting, etc -- you need to see your physician. S/he may refer you to to a psychiatrist or therapist. Psychotherapy can help you understand and deal with what's happening inside that triggers these impulses. Although it can take time and patience, this work can eventually "stop self-harm before it starts.".
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Nov 27, 2017
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