Alex's Answer

Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex.

 

Thank you so much for contacting us today. We appreciate you trusting us with your thoughts.

 

You mentioned that you used to self-harm a lot and you feel like you should tell your mum, but you don’t want to let her down. Firstly, we would like to say that we are sorry to hear that this is something you are going through, and you are very brave for reaching out for help.

 

It is important to know that you are not alone. You have a right to get help and support. It sounds extremely hard and lonely, especially if you do not feel comfortable opening up due to this.

 

Self-harm is a psychological response that some people use as a way of coping with the difficulties that they are experiencing in their lives. Here is an article on the Childline website which you may find useful www.childline.ie/getting-help/

 

Maybe it might be possible to choose a good time to talk to your mum? You could let her know that there is something important that you would like to speak about in private and that you understand it may be a difficult conversation. This would give you a chance to say things that you would like her to hear and explain that you want some help and support with what you’re going through, and what you have been through. Explain it would mean a lot if she was able to support your decision and take it seriously. 

 

If you would like to have a chat about what you might say or how you will begin the conversation with you mum, you can always contact us here at Childline, by clicking on the Live Chat button on this website or giving us a call on 1800 66 66 66. You can talk about anything you want, and we are here to listen, without judgment,  to whatever you would like to say.

 

Take care of yourself, and well done on stopping harming yourself,

Alex