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Help! Kim
My two mates used to self harm but they both stopped. Recently one girl has started again, and I'm really worried about her. Only us three mates and the school nurse know, but I think the girls want me to do something because I'm older than them and I'm their mate (I'm 15, they're both 12). I don't know what - if anything - I should do. Please help, because I really want to help my mates. Reply
re: Help! Cookie
The most important thing is that you talk to her about it. There is usually an underlying problem which causes people to self-harm, and it's important to establish what this is. If she is persistent and there is an underlying problem then consider persuading her to go to a youth counselling clinic or support group where they will help her to sort herself out a bit.
At least try to get her to go back to the school nurse - it's important that she has an adult who can support and help her, and if the nurse helped last time then she seems like the obvious choice. It's also important because the nurse thinks that she has stopped.
Be there is she wants to talk about her problems, don't shy away, as confessing her fears and sharing her worries will help her a lot. Reply
re: Help! Kim
I was going to try talking to her, but was too scared. Thanks for the confidence. Reply
re: Help! Miranda
Could you encourage the girl to tell the school nurse again? Maybe she could put her in touch with a counsellor or support group so she could talk to them about her feelings. Meanwhile, just let her know you're there if she wants to talk. luv miranda Reply
