How should I react if a young person self-harms?

  • Stay calm and don’t panic
  • Let the young person know that you are concerned about them
  • Make sure they are physically OK. If they have taken an overdose talk with their GP or go with them to the A&E Department
  • Don’t be judgemental or say it was “silly”
  • Talk about what happened and what triggered this
  • They may be embarrassed or ashamed of what they did so be patient.
  • The section on SLEEP can help you talk about self-harm and plan what help the young person needs.
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Last updated: 15 August, 2016