[header] How to tell someone you self harm [title] Reflect on who has been there for you during the tough times in the past. [step] Consider telling someone who has been helpful and supportive of you before. [substeps] A friend who may have been there for you before might not be there for you now. 
Sometimes, a friend will be so shocked that she will not respond the supportive way you hope she will. Know that just because she has been there for you in the past, however, your friend may not initially respond the way you hope because she may be in shock.