Coping With Self-harm.pdf

This guide for parents and carers of young people who self-harm was developed by researchers at the University of Oxford. Self-harm is behavior done deliberately to harm oneself, including self-cutting, taking an overdose, and burning, and can be a way to manage difficult emotions. At least 10% of adolescents report having self-harmed, and it can result in accidental death. Signs of self-harm include unexplained cuts or bruises, withdrawal, and low mood. Factors that make a young person vulnerable to self-harm include individual factors like depression and anxiety, family factors like mental health difficulties, and social factors like bullying. Self-harm can serve several functions, including managing emotional upset, reducing tension, and expressing emotions. Discovering that a child is self-harming can be upsetting, but parents should try to understand and accept their emotions to support their child. Supporting a child who self-harms involves having a conversation, listening to their feelings, and helping them find alternative ways to handle strong emotions.