Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to self-injury:

1. Do you have experience treating self-injury?
   
   
2. What type of therapy would be most effective for me?
   
   
3. Can you recommend a therapist, mental health professional, group or other setting that may benefit me?
   
   
4. Are there other treatment methods I might benefit from?
   
   
5. What do you think is causing my self-injury?
   
   
6. Do I have an underlying disorder that is related to self-injury?

Friends and family of a self-injurer may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about self-injury:

1. I suspect a loved one may be injuring him/herself. How can I know for sure?
   
   
2. How should I approach someone about self-injury?
   
   
3. How do I encourage a loved one to get help? Is there anything I can do to help a person refrain from self-injury?
   
   
4. How can I be sure a loved one is not trying to commit suicide?
   
   
5. Should I call 911 when I’ve discovered a loved one who self-injures?