How do I help my friends stop cutting?

Cutting doesn't just happen on it's own, there's always something deeper behind it. It would be best to talk to your friends about how they are feeling, or why they feel the urge to cut. Be an active listener, and you might find a way to help them. Sometimes all a person needs is an open ear. Best of luck to you and your friends, xx

I can see why it would be disturbing to see that two of your friends cut themselves. But I think that if it perturbs you so much, I would sit them down and talk to them. Don't be blunt about it and say "You cutting yourself disturbs me stop it" because they will most likely become hurt and defensive about it, and then they would feel even worse about themselves. You have to understand as well that cutting is a way for someone to deal or cope, or to release the pain that they are experiencing with life. So they more likely than not have an underlying reason as to why they're cutting themselves. All you need to say if and when you sit them down to talk is "I just want you guys to know that i'm here for you if you need to talk. I care about you guys so much and i'm sorry that something is hurting you so much that you resort to harming yourself. I'll still love you no matter what" because, really, a good friend will always love and stick by their friends no matter what. ESPECIALLY if they know of a friend that is harming themselves. You don't just back out of that friendship or completely harangue them for cutting. Not that you would or might, but i'm just saying.

Help your friends out. Maybe they're going through a hard time and that's the only way they can ease their pain. Don't go up to them and be like ew stop that, it's disturbing and gross. Talk to them, help them through it. Help them find a healthy alternative.

Coming from someone that has self harmed in the past, all I can tell you is; don't make a big deal about it, in a since, don't interrogate them. Be subtle. Ask them how they're doing. Spend more time with them. Help them with their self esteem, make them feel happy. c: You obviously love them, or else you wouldn't be concerned. I wish my friends helped me. Unfortunately, they were harming themselves as well. Always remember, it's not just a phase. Help them feel loved. <3

Confront them and ask what's wrong. Try helping them out with their problems and let them know you will always be there for them no matter what. When you're not with them, text them every once in awhile to see if they're doing okay. Try hiding all pointy objects from them, in order for them to prevent from cutting themselves. Give them icecubes and make them hold it in their hands for 10 minutes, it gives the same effect as when you cut yourself. There are other ways of coping with depression — most people listen to music, I usually write down how I feel, play the guitar or do something that makes me happy. When a person self-harms, you need to understand that they've been going through a rough time and learn how to deal with them. Give them compliments, it will boost their self-esteem. Just simply be there for them every step of the way. Hope this helps.

As a previous self-harmer, my friends made attempts to make me stop and some just plain insulted me about it, saying it was gross, or disturbing like you think so. I don't advise being mean about it, because that honestly just makes it worse. Often people can't control how they cope with things and sometimes they might know themselves that it's bad but cannot stop themselves. I think you should just stand by them and try to be a good friend. Help them cope, too, besides self harming. Let them know you're there for them and that there are other means of coping. Tell them how you feel, that you're upset that they do such a thing and you're concerned. But make sure you're careful with your words. I hope things work out regardless of what you choose to do.

Talk and explain how you feel. Use "I" statements, like "I feel that this is dangerous, and I am worried". Don't ever sound like "you're kinda freaking me out with this cutting thing". Talk first, if it gets worse, then get another trusted friend into the picture, and try having the both of you talk to those with issues, if that doesn't work, then go and get real help for them.