Helpful attitudes and approaches might include:
- Ask the person what support they would like from you
- Discuss with the person what might help them
- Non-judgemental acceptance and respect
- Acknowledge and accept the person’s pain and distress
- Be supportive, calm and practical
- Listen respectfully
- Treat the person with dignity
- Don’t take it personally
- Don’t force things
- Never issue ultimatums
If the person wants you to, it may be helpful to limit their access to ways in which they might self-harm. However, if someone is determined to self-harm they will usually find a way and trying to take control could lead to more risky situations developing. Helping someone to reduce the risks involved in self-harming is something you can discuss with them.