If you are concerned about your child doing something to harm themselves right now you should call 999 immediately.  

You can also phone 0808 196 3779, the Nottinghamshire Mental Health Crisis Line, 24/7. SHOUT: is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service for anyone struggling to cope. Available 24/7. Text NOTTS to 85258

What is self-harm?

Self-harm is when somebody hurts themselves intentionally, causing injury to their physical body or wellbeing. The reasons why your child may do this may differ from individual to individual.  The way in which people self-harm can be different too, these can include:

• Cutting
• Burning
• Biting
• Scratching
• Swallowing harmful substances
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Picking at wounds or scabs to delay wound healing
• Not eating or overeating
• Forcing themselves to throw up
• Spending all their time on addictive behaviours like gambling, gaming or social media
• Engaging in risky behaviours including fights or risky sexual behaviour
• Engaging in self-sabotaging behaviours that harm emotional or physical wellbeing.

Your child or a child in your care may self-harm as harm as a way of dealing with difficult emotions or to supress upsetting experiences which may be happening now or have happened in the past.  It can be extremely distressing and overwhelming to think of your child hurting themselves and as self-harm is shrouded in secrecy, it can be hard to notice the signs too. 

Things to look out for:

• Physical signs – unexplained cuts, bruises, burns or scratches. These marks are commonly found on the arms, legs or wrists.
• Emotional changes – look for sudden changes in mood such as anger outbursts, intense sadness or low self esteem.
• Wearing long sleeve clothing or trousers even in warm weather
• Isolation and withdrawal – notice if your child is spending more time alone than usual, avoiding social gatherings and activities.
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns – notice if your child is sleeping a lot less or longer than usual, weight loss or weight gain or any unusual food behaviours.

You might find these videos from YoungMinds, Childline and SHARP Nottingham helpful to watch: