When my parents found out I self harm, I can honestly say I’ve never cried so much in my life. I felt violated, raw, over-exposed. It was just horrible. It wasn’t good timing either. they’d just found out that things between me and my boyfriend (who is now an ex) were a little more serious than they’d first thought, and then they find broken glass covered in blood in a bag under my bed. Of course, they thought they were linked. Not so much. Looking back, I can tell that they were linked. he made me depend on him, but he didn’t ever realise it, so if I went without even a day of talking to him, I felt worthless.

I know that it’s horrible when parents find out that their child has been deliberately hurting themselves on a daily basis. It’s even worse when they find out and you’re not ready for it. I suppose that it has helped – I’m now seeing a doctor roughly once every two weeks, which I wouldn’t have done without them finding out, and it has helped.  She’s so nice, not at all judgemental, and I feel safe when I go there – I can say anything, and I know that no one will ever know about it, apart from her. I have had increased thoughts about just ending it all, when it felt too tough to admit it any more, but I’m happy to say I’m starting to get over it.

Anyone who hasn’t told their parents, I really would recommend that they do. it hasn’t been easy, but it’s easier if you tell them on your terms, instead of them finding out like mine did.