Firstly, bullying. Bullying can happen in any form. There's verbal bullying, physical bulling and cyber bullying. I think the most severe is cyber bulling. Because it's literally verbal bullying - but sometimes it can be anonymous. I really hate websites like Ask.fm because it allows people to post hate to others. Who would even create such a website? Physical bullying can also be just as awful. The fact that someone could actually want to casue pain to someone else is just sickening.
Now the more serious topic. Self harm. Self harm is such a delicate topic to cover. Firstly, people seem to get a stereotypical view of self harmers. 'Emo' people who cut. This is not the case. People from any background can self harm, and it's not just cutting. People seem to think that cutting is the only way of self harm, but it's not. It's just the most popular because sharp objects are so easy to find. Also, self harmers don't nesacairly get bullied. It can be because of anything. Anything can trigger self harm. Whether it be an argument, bullying, or just feeling really crap about yourself. If you see anyone with self harm scars, don't ask them about it. It might bring up memories they want to forget.
But, there are people who self harm for a very, very different reason. For attention. I mean, seriously. Self harm isn't the way to look 'cool'. Self harm is not something to be mocked or faked, it's something that takes lives. You wouldn't pretend to be ill to get sympathy, would you? Self harm affects you mentally just as much as it affects you physically. However, people who decide to tell others about their experiences with self harm aren't attention seeking either. They're just people who have been through a lot, and want to share their stories of how they got though it/are getting through it. People who want to feel like they are not alone. If someone shows you their scars, it's either for help or that they are proud that they have defeated it. If someone needs your help, give them as much support as possible, without asking too many question. Respect their privacy. If they don't want to tell you, they don't have to. Keep reminding them that you are there for them and always will be. The most important thing is, if they have only told you, don't tell anyone else. They have told you because they trust you and feel like it's appropriate to tell you, there may be reasons they don't want others to know.
Never say things like, "please stop", "why don't you just stop?" "Why'd you start in the first place?" Or, "that's horrible". Trust me, they are some of the worst things you could say.
But, it can get better. Self harm is not some in curable disease. If you get help from the right people? It is possible to over come it. Scars are meant to fade, lives aren't. There are always people who love you and will care about you. Whether that be a family member, a friend, an acquaintance or a member of staff at your school. There is always someone who will listen.
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