I don't know what to do...

[Ashe]

http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?14930-Just-another-community-appreciation-post

[Mermaidmechanic]

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/suicide_prevention.htm

This sort of situation is always serious. Hopefully some of the info on this site will be helpful. It's not something you can fix, it's something she has to realize on her own. All you can do is be there for her as best as you can manage.

[Nashoba]

Oh, my lovely. If I were near you, I'd give you a hug.

When I was in high school and early college, I was a cutter, too. I haven't done it in . . . almost 10 years and haven't had the urge to in that time, either.

What I can tell you is that she's hurting. She is probably depressed and she should see a psychiatrist to talk about what's bringing up this behavior in her. It could be feelings of low self worth or something that she feels in control of, if she doesn't feel in control in the rest of her life.

The thing about depression (from my experience which now includes counseling and medications) is that no matter what another person says to comfort you, you don't believe them. You think you're alone. You think that the sadness and pain will never end. You think all your friends are lying to you. You're not actually thinking that you're hurting them in any way. You think you're doing the ones you love a favor.

It's not you, little chere. You could be the most amazing friend in the world and she'd still feel the way she feels. If she turns out to have clinical depression, it's because the chemicals that regulate her emotions are out of whack and not a lot of outside influence gets through that - love, friendship, etc. She needs to talk to someone who can help her. By all means, please continue being her friend, but encourage her to seek out someone who is in a position to give her the help she needs.

What you could say to her is that there is hope. She doesn't have to go on feeling this way - that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and she is strong enough to make it. I was a cutter. I haven't thought about it in years. I take 2 kinds of anti-depressants to level my hormones out. There is life past the pain and she can get there. Also, she needs to hear that she is worth love, worth friendship and worth kindness. Tell her about me. Tell her about my website and let her read about what I've been through. Tell her that I am now 32 with a wonderful and supportive husband who understands depression. Not only that, but I have a beautiful little daughter who lights my world up every day. I know that if I could come through that dark place, that she can too.

http://visionarybri.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-nightmare-should-be-over-dealing.html

I hope this helps, Kalani. You're a good friend and I know that seeing someone else hurt themselves is difficult. You are a very strong woman. You'll be in my thoughts.

-Bri

[Mermaid Photine]

Please put a warning on this post.

[Ashe]

Please put a warning on this post.
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?14930-Just-another-community-appreciation-post

[Mermaid Photine]

You think that you're on a forum about mermaiding and stuff, which sounds like a pretty safe topic, but then this shows up. Surprise! If you're not expecting anything like this, or even prepared, it's a shock.
This is a thread that discusses self injury. To keep this forum safe for all users, put warnings before discussing something that may possibly trigger a reader. I know that it is a serious situation, and that is precisely why you should put a warning on it- because it is upsetting, and you never know who may be reading your post.
I get that you are distressed. In your situation, who wouldn't be? All the same, help out others and just post a trigger warning, please.

[MichelleM]

If she is a minor, involve her parents (assuming her home situation is a good one). If you're afraid to talk to her parents, ask your parents to help you. Otherwise, make sure she has the numbers for the suicide prevention hotline and encourage her to speak to her doctor about her feelings.

You've had lots of good advice from posters here. I hope it helps. I hope she finds the help she needs. Depression is a beast.

M