It sounds like what your friend is doing is cutting. Chances are that your friend is in a lot of emotional pain and is harming him or herself physically as a release from the emotional pain they’re feeling. Unfortunately, the emotional pain is still there when they’re done cutting, and they haven’t learned any helpful coping mechanisms in the process, so they keep cutting.

People who self-injure might also struggle with anxiety and depression, eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse or other intense feelings from things that are going on in their lives.  

You can help them get help. The best solution is for your friend to talk to a trusted adult, such as their parents or a counselor at school, to begin the process of finding support for what’s going on. If your friend doesn’t know who to talk to, you can suggest 1-800-DONT-CUT (366-8288) or the Self Abuse Finally Ends Web site for lots of information about where to get help.

If your friend refuses to get help, you should tell an adult you  trust. We know this might sound like you’re betraying your friend’s trust, but self-injury is serious and needs to stop. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing your friend has a trained adult to help them with what they’re going through.

Let your friend know that you’ll be there for support whenever they need it. Don’t keep this a secret; that only allows it to continue. Even if your friend gets mad because you told someone, in the end, they will understand why you did it and will get support they need.

If you’re in a crisis and are hurting yourself physically, call 911 or 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433). To get more info on self-injury sent to you, call 1-800-DONT-CUT (366-8288) or check out S.A.F.E. Alternatives.