Managing Self-harm
It can be extremely upsetting and confusing for parents and carers when a child or young person deliberately harms themselves. It often comes as a huge shock, and knowing how to respond is not always straightforward.
Below are several resources; we hope that you will find information here that helps you to find a way forward that works for you and your child. Please know that you can talk to your Family Ambassador about this – they may not have all the answers, but you can talk openly to them about how it makes you feel.
Information for parents/carers
- Supporting children and young people who self-harm Anna Freud is a world-leading mental health charity for children and families.
- More About Self-Harm from MIND a good summary explaining self-harm, including possible causes and how you can access treatment and support.
- How to support a child or young person who is self-harming Place2Be provide mental health services in schools and offer practical ways to support your young person.
- Self-harm is everyone’s business NICE guidance Jan 22.
- Young Minds information is here Self-Harm, Parents Mental Health Guide and here Responding to self-harm
- Acute management of a person at risk of self-harm NICE guidance Nov 23
- Helping young people who self-harm Nursing in Practice.
- shout – self-harm advice for parents and carers small survivor led charity offer support to easy to access services and virtual support group.
- Self-harm for parents Royal College of Psychiatrists.
- Understanding child self-harm and keep them safe NSPCC
Information for young people
- Coping with self-harm for 11-18 year olds MIND information on understanding self-harm for young people, how to talk about it and where to go for support.
- Calm Harm a free app that helps teenagers manage or resist the urge to self-harm
- Text support from shout free 24/7 confidential text messaging support, text ‘shout’ to 85258
- Battle Scars support for people who self-harm.
- Building confidence and self-esteem Childline, bring out the best in you, tips to boost your confidence, building confidence after bullying, and coping with break-ups.
For more CAMHS parent information, please check out Good Advice and the Parent and Carers resources.
Page last reviewed: 4 July, 2024