Page 5 - Guidance for Children’s Services Early Help and Children’s Social Care :: Portus

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Top 10 Tips

01 Be aware, many cases of self- 03 Recognise different types of

harm and suicidal thoughts are self-harm
hidden • Self-poisoning – excess intake of own or others
over the counter or prescription medication,
Some young people experiencing intense drinking harmful chemicals
psychological distress may keep their thoughts and
feelings very private. • Self-injury – hitting, cutting, burning, pulling hair,
scratching, squeezing, punching walls, swallowing
Self-harm and suicidal feelings can be hidden objects other than food and drink
therefore it is important to explore these issues with
all children and young people who are in touch with • Risk taking behaviours – drug and alcohol use,
early help and social care teams. risky sexual behaviour, absconding
• Some self-harm in boys can manifest differently
eg: getting into fights, deliberate injury in sports
02 Consider the following risk
factors The Addictive Model of
Self-Harming Behavior*
• Girls and young women are more likely to harm
themselves than boys and young men Familiarise yourself with the self-harm cycle.

• Boys and young men are more likely to die by
suicide
• Suicide rates increase in older adolescence
• Experiencing low income and poverty

• Experiencing gender dysphoria, or identifying as
LGBTQ+
• Experience of bereavement
• Family history of mental illness, substance misuse
or suicide
• Experience of mental illness, substance misuse,
low self-esteem or hopelessness
Functions of self-harm
• Experience of past or current physical or sexual
abuse • Relief - release of unbearable, overwhelming
feelings and tension
• Neurodivergence / SEN
• Regulating affect (self-soothing)
• Punishment – on oneself and others (anger)
• To increase a sense of control
• To communicate feelings
• To feel real (vs. feeling numb)
• As a distraction – controlling racing / difficult
thoughts
• To let people see they’re struggling so they can
get help
*Source: PMC (nih.gov)

Portus - A Safe Space - Guidance for Children’s Services Early Help and Children’s Social Care
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