A “friend” is self-harming and making me feel like it’s my fault. I was in a toxic friendship last year and was getting over that toxicity when I became friends with the person I’m talking about here. I got to know him well, and we trusted each other enough to vent/ talk about touchier subjects, and I (neurodivergent, social cues are hard) was happy I had a good friend. then, things got bad. He (also neurodivergent, social cues are hard) started making AFAB/Fem presenting people in my school GSA (gender sexuality alliance), including me (AFAB non-binary), very uncomfy, and we had to talk to him about it eventually. What tipped him over the edge was an incident in the school library, and he stormed off. Later that night, I get a text from him, with a picture of his cut wrist captioned “at least you care about me, unless you’re faking it too” I didn’t respond, I didn’t know what to say. I just don’t know what to do. Help.
HELP YOURSELF:
- First thing I want to say is thank you, for having the courage to reach out to TeenCentral for guidance. Often times, reaching out for help is very difficult for many reasons. Be proud of yourself for making that big step.
- What you are describing is a very difficult situation and pretty serious. Think of an adult that you trust like your parents, school counselor, teacher and your friend’s parents. Having a conversation with an adult would be the best place to start. Your friend is reaching out to you for help. They might be having a hard time that they need help with. You can also, talk to your friend asking them to talk to an adult they trust and if you feel comfortable offer to go with them.
- If you or someone you know are feeling as though you are in crisis or if you are feeling as though you want to hurt yourself, please contact the resources listed below. You can contact the crisis number by texting “Hello” to 741741. The nice thing is that you can text them and someone is there to talk 24/7. Another support hotline is the National Suicide Hotline. I know you had mentioned that your friend was self-harming, but this website can also provide supports as well.
Crisis Textline
Available 24/7
Support to all individuals in crisis
Text “HELLO” to 741741
www.crisistextline.org
National Suicide Hotline
Available 24/7
Helps individuals in suicidal crisis with support
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html
CONDISER THIS
- Here on TeenCentral website you can find resources that might help you or your friend. Under the Learn Tab click on self-injury. This will give you a better understanding of what self-harm is, why and what to do.
- In the Tools Tab you can find:
Making a hard decision – https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/ProsCons.pdf
Support Plan – https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/My-Support-Plan.pdf
Social Skill – https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/016_0028K_TCSocialSkills.pdf
Weekly Mood Tracker – https://teencentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/016_0028B_TCWeeklyMoodTracker.pdf
- There are also many hotlines available to you on the TeenCentral HELP tab. Read over them because one of them may apply to your situation perfectly – and they respond immediately to you. Know that you are not alone. You got this!!!
