Where to go for support

Call: If you are a child or young person, parent or carer in crisis, you can call the Alder Hey CAMHS crisis care line 24 hours a day, seven days a week on freephone 0808 196 3550, Email CrisisCare@alderhey.nhs.uk.

Face-to-face: YPAS’s Alternative to Crisis Drop-In provides a safe space for children and young people to come to. Our trained professional staff will listen and support you through difficult times. Available across three community hubs.

Text: the word GREEN to 85258 for a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope.

The service is staffed by trained volunteers who will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better. We can help with issues such as stress, anxiety and depression and are here to talk at any time of day or night.

Online: Kooth

There’s information on the young person’s ‘advice on self-harm’ page

You can also find further useful information on the Young Minds website

Self-harm and children/young people

Signs your child might be harming themself

Thoughts and Feelings

Talking about self-harming or suicide/suicidal ideation. Expressing feelings of failure, uselessness or loss of hope, Self-loathing and expressing a wish to punish themselves, signs of low self-esteem, such as blaming themselves for any problems or thinking they’re not good enough for something.

Behaviours

Changes in eating/sleeping habits, increased isolation from friends/family, changes in activity and mood, e.g., more aggressive or withdrawn than usual, lowering of academic grades, becoming socially withdrawn. Wearing long sleeves, tights/leggings, and trousers even in hot weather. Cuts, scratches or burns that may not be accidental. Changes in appearance, sudden /drastic weight loss/gain. Signs of depression, such as low mood, tearfulness or a lack of motivation or interest in anything. Signs they have been pulling out their hair. Bandages on their arm.

Physical symptoms

Tired, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, tummy ache and feeling sick from anxiety and worry.

How you can support your child or young person experiencing self-harm

Be non-judgmental.
Stay calm and try not to be shocked, as you will add shame to the person.
Let the person know that you are there for them, and listen attentively.
Encourage them to talk about their feelings.
Try to have empathy and show interest in their distress.
Let them be in control of their decisions.
Clarify whether there are immediate needs for medical attention.
Remind them of their positive qualities.