For Others

People who self-harm often get caught up in a cycle of behaviour which is difficult to break.
The cycle is:
Feeling + Self-harm behaviour + Relief +Disgust/depression/shame


Family and friends
• Take care of yourself so that you can help the other person. Promote a greater understanding by accidentand emergency staff so that the person is treated with sympathy and is offered counselling if injuries aresuspected to be a result of self-harm.
• Don’t take the behaviour personally but try and see it as a symptom of distress.
• Don’t turn away, instead try to educate yourself about the disorder. Acknowledge the pain that the person is going through.Try and talk about what is happening without being judgemental or angry.

Link QLD.Dept Health (pdf)