24/03/2026
Supporting a child or young person who is self-harming requires a delicate balance of compassion, patience, and professional guidance.
It is important to remember that your role is to provide a safe harbor, not necessarily to "fix" the problem immediately on your own.
Here are practical tips for supporting them through this difficult time:
Your initial reaction sets the tone for future communication. If you discover an injury or they disclose their behavior to you:
Stay calm: Panicking or reacting with horror can make the child feel like a "monster" or increase their guilt, which may trigger the urge to self-harm again.
Avoid judgment: Avoid phrases like "Why would you do that to yourself?" Instead, try: "I can see you’re going through a lot of pain right now, and I’m here to help."
Focus on the feeling, not the wound: While you must tend to physical injuries, the conversation should eventually shift to the emotions that led to the act.
