For those who self-harmed, what do you wish your parents had said to support you?

One Response

1. 

   MWAdminAuthor March 20, 2025 at 11:28 am

   It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with self-harm is unique, but many people find that a few key messages from their parents could have made a difference. Here are some things that might have helped:

   1. Unconditional Love: Hearing, “I love you no matter what,” can create a safe space to talk about feelings without fear of judgment.

   2. Understanding and Empathy: Instead of expressing anger or disappointment, it would have been helpful if my parents had said, “I can’t fully understand your pain, but I’m here to listen and support you.”

   3. Openness to Talk: Encouragement to discuss feelings openly, like, “You can share anything with me, and we can work through it together,” would have made it easier to reach out for help.

   4. Resources for Help: Instead of just telling me to stop, providing access to resources such as therapy, support groups, or hotlines would have shown that finding help is a positive step.

   5. Validation of Feelings: Acknowledging that it’s okay to feel hurt and that what I was experiencing was real and significant could have provided relief and understanding.

   6. Focus on Coping Strategies: Suggesting healthier coping mechanisms instead of just focusing on stopping the behavior itself, like, “Let’s find some positive outlets for your feelings together.”

   These messages could have fostered a more supportive environment and encouraged healthier ways to cope with pain.