I'm worried about someone
...who is self-harming

Now that you have discovered someone is self-harming, you will be faced with a dilemma. Firstly it depends on whether this person is a child or an adult, whether you are related or a friend or colleague. The most important thing you need to know is that this behaviour has been kept secret because the person is so uniquely ashamed of what they do. Therefore, there should be no inquisition. The second important thing that you need to do is to understand that self-harm is about communication – this person is unable to verbalise their distress and the only way they can release these pent up feelings is by expressing it through their body. For many people who self-harm it is sometimes easier for them to focus on physical pain than emotional pain. Talk to this person. Start off by saying "I know you are self-harming, and I want to help". It is important now that you or a family member encourage the person to receive some help. At Pieta House, through compassion and gentle guidance, we can help this person communicate emotions in a safe way.