How To Respond To Self Harm
Advice for parents, teachers and friends
• Don’t Panic – Stay calm, don’t shame. Be kind.
• Talk – Don’t demand a long talk invite. Listen. Care.
• Don’t Punish – Mental illness symptoms are not disobedience.
• Assess Urgency – Offer care: First aid, emotional support for doctor visit, or ER.
• Get Therapy – Get referrals. Try a few. Consider family therapy.
• Check Yourself – Care for yourself, get support, but respect privacy.
• Pay Attention – It is not likely attention-seeking, but does increase suicide risk.
• Harm Reduction – Recovery can be slow, support harm reduction, not ‘just stopping’.
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Mental Health Quotes
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