Parental Awareness of Self-Harm

Finding out that your child might be self-harming is one of the most frightening things a parent can face. The instinct is to ask a dozen questions at once, check their arms every night and tell them to stop. That usually pushes it further out of sight.

There's a more useful way through. You'll understand why young people self-harm (often as a way to cope rather than a wish to die, and rarely for attention) and which signs to notice. You'll learn how to start a conversation that keeps the door open: somewhere private, at a calm moment, letting them set the pace. You'll also know which changes mean the risk is rising, and when to call 111 or 999.

Looking after yourself matters too, and there are helplines here for you as well as for your child.