Question 1

How Do I Help My Friend with Addiction Without Breaking Their Trust?

Accepted Answer

Having a friend with an addiction is tough. Their addictive behaviors cause them additional pain, because addiction does nothing to heal the pain that drives them to drink, use drugs, or harm themselves in other ways. Your support doesn’t mean you have to stop their addiction or make them complete their recovery. It just means you have to continue to be a true friend, as they always have been, so they know someone is there encouraging them in their recovery when things get tough. Here are some suggestions for how you can do that.

Question 2

What Can I Do if My Sibling is Cutting Themselves?

Accepted Answer

If you have a sibling cutting themselves, it’s completely understandable that you are fearful or concerned about their self-harm. I know it comes from a place of love, and I hope you see how powerful and meaningful that is. When you are ready to have a conversation with your sibling it is important to not judge or shame. Then ask a lot of questions and listen well.  Here are more ideas about how to have this important conversation and give you a greater sense of hope for your sibling, their well-being, and your relationship.

Question 3

The Toxic Name I Lived By—and How I Broke Free

Accepted Answer

Low self-esteem can happen for a variety of reasons. If you've been through a painful experience, your self-esteem can suffer. Sometimes it can be a single conversation that really makes you feel down in the dumps. Other times, traumatic experiences in your childhood or younger years can have negative effects on your self-esteem that don’t seem to go away. Read how Tim's 7th grade year completely stripped him of his self-worth.

Question 4

Red Flags, but Married Him Anyway

Accepted Answer

Some people get divorced because abuse makes them feel unsafe. Others feel trapped by their partner’s addiction. Perhaps there has been infidelity in the relationship. Whatever the reason, divorce can be devastating for everyone in a family. Make sure you have the support you need. If you don’t know where to turn, start with TheHopeLine.  Jewel did. Here's her story.

Question 5

Breaking Free from Self-Harm

Accepted Answer

Many people first began self-harm as an attempt to control and manage their pain. Often they are burdened by an emotional pain that they don’t know how to deal with and so they cover it up with physical pain. But self-harm quickly becomes an addictive behavior for many because it provides a false feeling of release without solving the problem or providing any true healing. Learn more from this personal story.

Question 6

Recovery from Addiction

Accepted Answer

Getting rid of addiction is more of a journey than a one-time decision, and it requires a support network that can encourage you as you decide each day to not use addictive substances or engage in harmful addictive behaviors. It takes courage to admit that you struggle with addiction, but talking about it is an important first step. You can visit a local support group (like AA or Narcotics Anonymous) for in-person support.

Question 7

Help, My Friend Is Cutting

Accepted Answer

When talking to a friend about cutting there are some very important things to remember. You can't just throw out facts and figures and think they are going to instantly be convinced to stop.  There is likely a lot more going on that is causing them to cut.  Don't judge, really listen, refer them to other resources and believe in them. Those are a few important steps.

Question 8

Why Do People Cut Themselves?

Accepted Answer

One of the most common reasons for cutting or self-harm is the belief that by inflicting temporary physical pain, the emotional pain or pressure will be released without overwhelming the person or burdening anyone else. If you’ve had these feelings or are struggling with self-harm, confidential help is available at no cost from TheHopeLine, including mentoring and resources for self-harm recovery. Freedom from self-harm is possible, and we are here to help you find it. Read more about What's a Reason for Cutting or Self-Harm?

15 Ways To Distract Yourself From Self-Harm

Practical Ways to Resist the Urge to Cut or Self-Harm

If you cut or self-injure to express pain or intense emotion:

If you cut or self-harm to calm/soothe yourself:

If you cut or self-harm because you feel disconnected and numb:

If you cut or self-harm to release tension/vent anger:

If you or a loved one are struggling with self-harm, please check out our partner, Door of Hope. Their crisis care advocates provide free texting, email and phone conversations.