Discovering that your child has engaged in self-harm can be distressing and confusing. This leaflet offers guidance and support to help you navigate this challenging situation and provide the best possible care for your child. Self-harm is often a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, stress, or trauma. It’s important to remember that it’s usually not a suicide attempt, but rather a way of seeking relief from emotional pain.
Advice and Guidance
Safety First:
- Remove Access to Sharp Objects: Immediately remove access to any sharp objects that could be used for self-harm, such as knives, scissors, razors, pencil sharpeners, etc.
- Secure Medication: Ensure all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, are stored securely and out of reach of your child.
Support and Supervision:
- Supervise and Prevent Isolation: Supervise your child as much as possible and discourage them from isolating themselves. While respecting their need for some personal space, maintaining a supportive presence is important.
Seek Professional Help:
- CAMHS Duty Line: Contact the CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) Duty Line at 020 3228 5980. This service is available Monday to Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm and Saturday to Sunday from 9 am to 10 pm. They can provide advice, support, and guidance on next steps.
Emergency Care:
- A&E at Queen Elizabeth Hospital: If you have significant concerns about your child’s immediate safety, if there is any escalation in their self-harm behaviors, if there is an immediate risk of harm, or if they require urgent medical attention, take them to the A&E department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The CAMHS Crisis Team is located there and can provide emergency support.
Beyond Immediate Actions
- Communicate Openly: Maintain open and honest communication with your child. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns.
- Address Underlying Issues: Explore potential triggers and underlying issues contributing to self-harm, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or bullying.
- Develop Coping Strategies: Work with your child and a therapist to develop healthy coping strategies for managing difficult emotions.
Supporting Conversations
- Stay Calm and Listen: Try to remain calm and create a safe space for your child to express themselves without judgment or interruption.
- Acknowledge Their Pain: Validate their feelings by acknowledging their pain and distress. Avoid dismissing their experiences or offering simplistic solutions.
- Express Your Concern: Let your child know you’re concerned and want to understand what they’re going through. Reassure them that you’re there to support them.
- Avoid Blame and Guilt: Refrain from blaming yourself or your child. Self-harm is often a complex issue with multiple contributing factors.
- Focus on Support: Emphasize your love and support. Let your child know they’re not alone and that you’ll work together to find help.
External support
There are a number of external organisations that can support both you and your child.
- Kooth – A free, safe, and anonymous online mental health and wellbeing service available to all young people aged 10-25.
- Young Minds – The UK’s leading mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, making sure all young people get the mental health support they need.