Risk and Safety

Self-harm

It can be really hard for parents to understand the meaning of their child’s self-harming behaviour.  It is distressing and upsetting and it can be hard for parents to accept that it is their child’s way of managing and communicating a range of feelings around their inner distress.  There are different reasons why people self-harm and what your child will need more than anything is that you can accept and understand that this is their way of expressing their distress.  Once they feel that their distress has been validated by you, they are more likely to be open to accept your role in keeping them safe and protecting them from further harm.

Suicide

It will be additionally worrying, if they express suicidal thoughts and you might not know how to respond.  My immediate thought is that you are doing well as a parent, if they are able to tell you how they are feeling.  A suicidal expression is most likely an expression of their inner turmoil rather than a real expression of suicidal intent, but as their parent you will want to seek support and advice on how to manage this.  

What you can do if you think your child is feeling suicidal

It is very distressing for you as the parent to know what to do when you fear that your child might be at risk of significantly harming themselves.  While this is something that can be explored in therapy your first step will be to follow one or all of the steps below:

  1. Stay with them and do something nice together – have a drink, dog walk, go for a drive, play music or watch a favourite soap etc…

  2. Talk with them, if they are up for that.

  3. Take your child to the GP, as they can advise on the best course of action.

  4. Take them straight to A&E if you are really worried about them, as this will show them that you really care and that you are taking their distress seriously.

  5. Ensure all medication in the house is securely locked away.

  6. Ensure as far as possible to keep all sharps out of range of your child

When the crisis has passed you can then resume or engage with therapy, but immediate action needs to be taken when a young person is at risk.