Don't know what to do

[salemlot]

I have this friend who i was chatting with last night who shown me a picture of her arm. She was feeling sad so she cut her arm with sissors. They were deep wounds! I didn't know really what to say to her but to listen. I've known her for about 7 years online (she lives in the UK) She told me that was only her fourth time cutting herself and it started in 2003. I told her she should tell a family member, she told me NO. Then i asked would she tell an therapist or doctor she said maybe. I don't know what to do, I really care about her like I said I've known her via the internet for years now. She helped me through a lot of crap, Now its my turn to help her and i don't know what to do. I don't think she is crying out for help or she would tell someone that lives with her or near her. I couldn't believe how bad she damaged her arm in the picture i was sort of in shock. She always seemed so posititive and upbeat.

 

[JRM]

Unfortunatly people who cut themselves are usually people who have issues with themselves. Meaning they are reaching out for help but also are looking for attention. I had a friend who did that back in school , if she didn't get her way or thought she did something wrong she would punish herself. Then in turn she would show it off to anyone that would give her attention after the act was done.
I would definatly try to find a way to convince this person to seek medical attention.

 

[michaeltt]

Unfortunatly people who cut themselves are usually people who have issues with themselves. Meaning they are reaching out for help but also are looking for attention. I had a friend who did that back in school , if she didn't get her way or thought she did something wrong she would punish herself. Then in turn she would show it off to anyone that would give her attention after the act was done.
I would definatly try to find a way to convince this person to seek medical attention.

my girlfriend cuts herself. i dont think she is looking for attention really. but everyone is different. i really think sometimes its either a way of self punishment, but a more likely cause is that they are going through something so upsetting, it hurts tremendously on the inside. They wouuld rather have the pain on the outside then on the inside. and it does work. But every person is probably different. i think she will only get help if she wants help. the fact that she said she only does it sometimes, makes me think she prolly doesnt want attention, but its weird that she took pictures. i think cutters are sometimes proud of their scars. either way 4 times since 2003 isnt so bad. she can probably stop with a little help. try to explain to her that it upsets you when she does it. and tell her that if she ever feels so bad and feels like she needs to do it, to call you.

mike

 

[salemlot]

I don't know why she shown me a picture of her wound. Maybe cause she thought i wouldn't believe her? HAHA she won't give me her number or nor would she call me, she tells me I am not real I am just an Internet Friend. But i was glad that she shared with me her problem the only other person who knows about her cutting is her boyfriend. I will continue to try to tell her to tell a therapist or someone like that. She is one of the nicest and giving person I've met. I think she may have a drinking problem most nights when we are chatting she drinking vodka. I asked her if she thinks she has a problem and she tells me NO. That she doesn't need to drink that she drinks because it helps relaxes her. I had an ex girlfriend who is an alcoholic, i see similarities but I can't tell my friend that because i know it will piss her off. (she hates my ex)
thanks for the advice.