Self-harm is where someone causes harm to themselves, usually as a way to help cope with difficult or distressing thoughts and feelings. It most frequently takes the form of cutting, burning or nonlethal overdoses. However, it can also be any behaviour that causes injury – no matter how minor. Basically, any behaviour that that causes harm or injury to someone as a way to deal with difficult emotions can be
seen as self-harm.

This factsheet was made by the Youth Mental Health Foundation, drawing on advice given by St. John's Ambulance.

The Youth Mental Health Foundation is a non-profit Unincorporated Community Association in the UK with an application for full charitable status in progress (ref: 5171845). 

Our current focus is guiding the parents of young people who self-harm to support their child's healing through an online course called The Horizon Plan. The methodology was first developed by Claire Sutton, drawing on her experience guiding her daughter from self-harm to health and happiness. We are developing this into an online course to support parents all over the world.

We support parents to play to a central role in their child's healing.

THE HORIZON PLAN:
This FREE online course will guide you step-by-step to play a
central role in your child's healing.
You can find out more and access the course at: www.YouthMentalHealthFoundation.org

E-BOOK:
If you’re a parent of a self-harming young person, then please
feel free to download our FREE E-Book. It will help you get your
feet on the ground and understand the principles of supporting
your child’s journey back to health & happiness.

Here is the link to get your e-book: CLICK HERE

If you are worried about the immediate well-being of
yourself or someone else you should call 999 (in the UK) or go
straight to A & E. For non-emergency help you should talk
to your doctor or contact 111 (in the UK) or NHS Direct on 08454647 (in the UK).