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TeenHelp Tips

How to support someone who self-harms

• Listen non-judgementally. The person you’re aiming to help is likely experiencing a lot of intense emotions, and may not be willing – or even able – to fully explain what they’re going through. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed by their self-harming, so it’s important to make it clear that you’re listening with the intent to help them, not to judge them.
• Encourage them to find appropriate sources of support. In many cases self-harm is a symptom of a larger issue, such as an underlying mental health condition or stressful life situation. These can often be treated or managed if the person receives sufficient support, for example through seeing a mental health professional or joining a support group. If possible, you can help your loved one find and access these supports to aid them in their recovery.
• Help them find coping mechanisms. There are many ways to deal with self-harm, ranging from distractions for when urges arise to dealing with the emotions or situations causing the self-injurious behaviour. If you don’t have much prior knowledge or firsthand experience with self-harm, you could try looking up alternatives online or in relevant books. You can also try helping your loved one come up with their own coping strategies, or even referring them to the list of alternatives on TeenHelp!
• Know your limits. It’s easy to get so caught up in helping a friend, partner, or family member that you neglect your own self-care, but that can end up doing more harm than good. Remember that your loved one’s recovery ultimately falls to them, and you may come to a point where they need more support than you can provide. If it comes to it, don’t be afraid to assert your boundaries, put your own mental health first, and, if necessary, refer the situation to someone else (such as a teacher or counsellor if you’re really worried about your loved one).

TeenHelp Tips

Preparing for a first appointment for migraines

• Make a note of how often your headaches and migraines occur. Write down how many headaches you get in a week or month and how long they tend to last.
• Make a note of symptoms. Migraines can cause several physical and mental symptoms. Noting the ones you experience can help your doctor tailor their suggestions towards symptom relief.
• Try to identify triggers. It can be difficult to determine what is causing your migraine, but there are some things that may help. For example, do the migraines come at a certain time of day? Do they come when you are in a certain environment, doing certain activities, or experiencing certain emotions? This will help you and your doctor discuss symptom management.
• Consider talking about how your migraines impact your life. For example, migraines can impact your ability to work, go to school, and socialize.
• Make a note of things you have already tried. This can include medications or at-home solutions. This way, the doctor does not suggest things you have already tried. If there are certain treatments you do not want to try, mention these as well.
• Think about any goals you may have. If you are unable to eliminate your migraines, consider goals like symptom relief or reducing the frequency or intensity of the migraines.