Another thing is to remember the difference between the support that you can give as a friend, and techniques that a professional might use. For example, when my husband complains about how I hurt him by injuring myself, or talking about injuring myself, that really makes me mad because he's taking something that I am hurt about so much that that's the only way that I know to manage it, and disregarding and invalidating my feelings and making it all about him. It's not about him, it's about me feeling hurt or overwhelmed and trying to cope with it. But I guess it's different when my T points out that other people are affected by my actions, and they do get hurt if I hurt myself, because they care, and because they are forced to live in fear of what I might do next. What is not helpful from friends or family might have a positive impact when applied therapeutically. Don't try to be a therapist. Just be there and let them know that you do care. You could encourage them to get help from a professional, because you care and want them to be safe and feel better. But don't try to fix it for them and don't make it about you.

Thanks for being a good friend and wanting to help your friends.

Rap