How To Respond To Self Harm

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’.

FOR SUPPORT AND RESOURCES. TEXT HOME TO 741-741

Mental Health Quotes