DD self-harming *Title edited by MNHQ*

[GirlOnATrainToShite]

This is not AIBU I am posting for traffic - apologies.

I am a school counsellor I work with teenagers.

I have just been contacted by DDs best friend who has told me she is really worried about DD as she is very distressed ATM as she has just had her first big break up with her GF.

She has been cutting (deal with this at work all the time and right under my nose my own DD is doing it ).

Friend has sworn me to secrecy I have asked friend to direct DD to counselling service at college - she has told me where her razor blade is but TBH there is no point in even taking it as she will use something else.

How do I approach this to support her without dropping her mate in it?

WAAA!

No advice, but here for a handhold until someone with more experience comes along.

So, I used to cut at 16, I'm covered in the scars from it and don't mind sharing my experience of how my mum dealt with it with me

Basically she sat me down and said that she knew I was self harming, said she'd seen the evidence, that I'd become with drawn and asked how she could help, if I didn't want to talk to her would I talk to college counsellor and let me make my own mind up about it

No pressure, guilt trip, nothing - in fact she was very matter of fact about it and that helped, I didn't feel like I wold upset her if I talked to her about it

*would

Need to remember to preview!

www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/parentsandyouthinfo/parentscarers/self-harm.aspx?theme=mobile

Sorry, posted too soon, this info may be helpful - a lot of young people cut as a coping strategy for stress, it can help to promote more positive ways of dealing with stress. Can her friend talk to, or get your daughter to talk to teachers or a school nurse?

Thanks that leaflet is great.

She's not at school she's at college - I have looked on the website and there is a counselling service - I have sent her friend the link and asked her to ask DD to contact them.

I have done loads of training in self harm I feel pretty crap right now

There is a good app called "calm harm" if she has a smart phone, that she can access when she feels she is about to harm. Of course, she may not want to stop - a lot of young people find it addictive and don't stop as they enjoy the feeling, so much depends on how often, how deep, how many cuts, where on the body etc. She does really need professional help, most colleges have better pastoral services than school, if she is of college age she could access her GP independently - as said, she needs to feel herself it is a problem to seek help, for all we know she is not bothered that she does it.

This is the best support agency she can access, as it is geared towards young girls and women who self harm
www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk

Cakietea thanks that's a fantastic resource.