[hocus pocus]

Hi there,

It's great that you want to tell your parents that you are struggling with self-harm. Something to note is that parents often have negative reactions for a variety of reasons such as not understanding self-harm or fearing for their child's safety. Many parents improve once they have had time to let it sit with them, however. Don't let this deter you from discussing it with them; it is just good to prepare yourself for the different possibilities.

How do you feel most comfortable expressing this? Do you want to verbalize it? If you do, you can ask your parents for a good time to talk to them and that will kind of hold you accountable for telling them. If not, you can write a note or bullets on what you want them to know or discuss with you.

Many parents are unsure how to help so something to consider telling them is how they can help you with this. Could they ask you how you're doing or ask about your safety, for instance? What would you find most helpful?

Best of luck with telling your parents and feel free to keep us updated.