Is this considered self-injury...

TheHurtWillNeverHeal · 28-03-2009, 08:52 PM

One of my friends digs her nails into arm and leaves marks and welts. my other friend bites himself. Another friend started cutting and I know that is SI. But are the first 2 SI? If they are what should I do to help them?

alleexx12 · 28-03-2009, 09:29 PM

The first 2 could be considered SI. & only they can help themselves. You can be there and offer support/friendship but besides that, they have to decide to help themselves. x

extreme turbulance · 28-03-2009, 11:51 PM

They probably are classed as SI as they are both ways of psychically hurting yourself on purpose to relieve stress/release endorphines etc. They are however less intrusive ways of doing so and therefore less damaging in the long run. There are obviously reasons why your friends are using these strategies so maybe you could reassure them that you relize there is a problem and that if they wish to discuss it then you are willing to try and help them, although please dont be too pushy as this seldom helps anyone.

littleone · 29-03-2009, 12:32 AM

i would class them as self harm. when i'm stressed or w/e and i can't s/h at that time i dig my nails into my arm. anyways just try and be there for them. if they want to talk, they will. just be their friend. xx

Katiee · 29-03-2009, 01:17 AM

Yes, they are methods of self-injury. Just be there for them and tell them they can talk to you if they need. xo.

chrisjbee · 01-04-2009, 10:33 PM

Heey, sorry discovered this thread a bit late...

Yes, they ARE SI, and I think that although I know you can't do much, encoaraging them to find other ways to let out their anger would be a really good idea!! I mean before I cut, I used to just scratch my skin, which seems quite innocent and not too damaging, but then it progressed as the emotions and stuff got more intense/ painful etc.

Linking your own physical pain with negative emotions is a bad habit to get into...