Sometimes the most helpless feeling in the world is watching someone you love suffer, but thankfully, there are many ways we can minister to them in times of need and show the love of Christ. Christine Chappell has a lot of experience in this area. As a survivor of self-harm and other severe emotionally painful issues, she is now a Biblical counselor who encourages those who are suffering to engage with God amid emotional pain. Christine's struggles began during her senior year of high school when she was in a major car accident and her world turned upside down. She talks about the intrinsic importance of having friends and family who are there and sympathize rather than condemn or distance. Just addressing self-harm is not enough - parents must engage their children in loving conversation and create open lines of communication.

TAKEAWAYS

Cry out to the Lord in your distress and He will be faithful to you

Self-harm shouldn’t be a silent struggle

Self-harm is not merely an external problem, it is indicative of a deeper problem

Self-harm may be defined as a sort of unhealthy “self-soothing” behavior