# data[].attributes.body
Would you like your child to see a counsellor outside of school?

Teenage Mental Health offers counselling sessions tailored to your child’s individual needs and carefully matches each young person with a therapist who is right for them.

To find out more or to arrange support, please visit:
https://www.teenagementalhealth.co.uk/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Therapy

We at Teenage Mental Health are here to help both you and your child, we understand the toll poor mental health can take on young people and those caring for them.

We can work with you and your child to ensure positive outcomes for all through specialist child therapy

When you have a child that is ill you want help as soon as possible, often parents contacting us have been on a roller coaster of referrals and waiting lists which only adds to the stress for both the parent and child. To help support you and help you step off this roller coaster we ensure that a first appointment is made available to you within 48 hours of an enquiry, this appointment lasts 1 hour and is free of charge, with no obligation for ongoing treatment.

Meet the newest member of
the team, Womble - our white German Shepherd

We are delighted to introduce Womble our onsite therapy dog in training. He is a super fluffy, very friendly young chap who adores welcoming new people to the centre. But don't worry if you are afraid of dogs or have allergies, he is a good boy and does not meet and greet anyone that would find this difficult.
He's ready to meet you!

We offer training courses

We are now able to offer full training courses for both parents/carers and professionals.
Please click on the button below to visit our training website.

Free bookmarks?

We have a wide range of bookmarks available for both primary and secondary schools ages. The 6 topics on the bookmarks include bullying, anxiety, nervousness, intrusive thoughts, worried, and self harm. See full examples here.

These bookmarks are free of charge. If you would like to order some please use the contact form below.

For Mental Health Support in Ipswich & the surrounding areas please contact us using the details below or alternatively fill out the form and we'll ring you back to arrange an appointment.

Call: 01473 411324

Email:
reception@teenagementalhealth.co.uk

Postal Address:
31 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AQ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teenage Mental Health | Ipswich Wellbeing & Mental Health | Teenage Mental Health | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Suppo

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teenage Mental Health provides child, teenage / adolescent & young adult counselling / therapy services. Treating anxiety, depression, self harm, alcohol & drug abuse, gender identity, and eating disorders in Ipswich / Suffolk and surrounding areas.

# data[].attributes.body
Have you ever....

- Sworn you will be nothing like your parents but can't seem to help yourself?

- Wondered how to parent like you were parented but it just doesn't come easily?

- Noticed that you, or your co-parent, seem to get a better response from your child and you're not sure why? Join the online parent workshop here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-is-my-parenting-approach-affecting-my-childs-development-815-registration-1750558661079?aff=oddtdtcreator

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How is my parenting approach affecting my child’s development? (815)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
For parents & carers at Ipswich School: Discover how our parenting style can impact our children now and in the future

# data[].attributes.body
The Contented Child (UK) provides practical advice, resources, and training to help parents support their children’s emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and learning needs. The site offers toolkits, guides, and webinars on topics like anxiety, behaviour management, and special educational needs.

# data[].attributes.body
We’ve created a document filled with questions students asked, which have been thoughtfully answered by staff from across the school as part of our Movember and International Men’s Day activities. This resource is designed to provide guidance, support, and insight on topics that matter to them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Real Talk Men and Mental Health Questions Answered

# data[].attributes.body
This site presents the free online parenting programme Family Man, developed by the Movember Foundation and leading child‑behaviour researchers to help you understand and respond to children’s behaviours.

It offers short videos, articles and quizzes built around evidence‑based strategies to support you in managing misbehaviour, encouraging new skills and strengthening your relationship with your child.

# data[].attributes.body
“Why does my child behave badly when they don’t want to do something?”
“Why is homework always a battle?”
“Why is my child reluctant to try new things or gives up easily when things get tough?”

Join this online workshop to discover practical ways to understand and resolve these challenges with your child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supporting Links The Ipswich Collection 2025 2026

# data[].attributes.body
Al‑Anon is a website that provides support and resources for young people affected by someone else’s drinking, helping them understand they are not to blame and connecting them with peers who share similar experiences.

# data[].attributes.body
Here are a few suggestions that might help you feel less stressed before exams - from using calming essential oils to trying spinning rings for anxiety relief.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Exam Stress - things to buy to help you de-stress

# data[].attributes.body
The Source website has been created to provide information, advice and sources of support to young people (aged 11-19 years) in Suffolk – when they need it, on a range of issues that impact their lives.

# data[].attributes.body
This guide is designed to support parents and carers in helping their children manage exam stress and maintain good mental wellbeing. It provides practical advice on how to create a balanced approach to studying, recognise signs of anxiety, and offer encouragement.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This guide is designed to support parents and carers in helping their children manage exam stress and maintain good mental wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.body
Stay supported and confident with a PEBE sports bra, designed for comfort and performance. We highly recommend Ipswich students invest in one as part of their sports kit!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
PEBE | Sports Bras For Your Personal Best

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
JOIN THE SPORTS BRA REVOLUTION Driven by science, created by women.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This practical online session is designed for parents of children in Year 7 and above at Ipswich School. Join it to gain insights into how your child’s brain develops and learn effective strategies for managing challenging behaviour.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Talking TEENS @ Ipswich School with Supporting Links  (747) (1) (3)

# data[].attributes.body
This guide helps parents feel empowered to open up conversations at home and be proud allies to the LGBTQ+ community.

# data[].attributes.body
Join this 'Talking Tech' online workshop to help you with monitoring your childs gaming/online use and setting healthy boundaries - without confrontation!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Talking TECH @ Ipswich School with Supporting Links  (717) (2)

# data[].attributes.body
If your child is experiencing difficulties with eating or has been diagnosed with an eating disorder, it can be worrying, isolating and distressing for you as a parent or carer. Here you’ll find knowledge and skills to support your child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supporting a child with an eating problem

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Supporting a child with an eating problem

# data[].attributes.body
If your child is experiencing high levels of anxiety, it can be worrying for you as a parent or carer. Take a look at this information for practical ideas that may help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Parent's Guide | Supporting a child with anxiety

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If your child is experiencing high levels of anxiety, it can be worrying for you as a parent or carer. We hope this information will help you understand anxiety more clearly and begin to address it.

# data[].attributes.body
Should children be more resilient?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mental health: Children should be more resilient, say experts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The surge in mental health referrals among young people has prompted debate among experts about the cause - and the most effective solution

# data[].attributes.body
Is your child struggling with friendships? Here are some tips about how to support them through this tricky time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Caroline Maguire, M.Ed. | Social Skills For Kids & Adults

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Help a Teen Who Has Few (To No Friends) Now That School is in Full Swing - Updated 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Raising teens isn’t easy. But when your child struggles with few or no friends, it’s common for parents to want to help. Here’s how.

# data[].attributes.body
Instagram is overhauling the way it works for teenagers, promising more "built-in protections" for young people and added controls and reassurance for parents.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Liv McMahon, Tom Gerken and Zoe KleinmanTechnology news team

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instagram gives parents more control over teen accounts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Meta says parents will be able to “guide” a safer experience - critics say the firm itself should do more.

# data[].attributes.body
The teenage years are frequently combative and difficult for parents to manage, especially around the ages of 14-16 as they push for independence. Read more here...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The teenage years are frequently combative and difficult for parents to manage, especially around the ages of 14-16 as they push for independence.
A little understanding can go a long way, which is why we've asked psychologist Anjula Mutanda to explain what's going on in a teenager's brain. What makes them push the boundaries or rebel against their parents and how do you as a parent take stock and work through it with them?

Bez and his son Arlo add their memories of Arlo's teenage days - with a revelation for Bez.

The science - why they're pushing boundaries

As teens continue to develop, the emotional area of the brain - the amygdala - develops sooner than the part of the brain needed for self control and decision making - the prefrontal cortex.

The prefrontal cortex actually loses 'grey matter' in adolescence. Although this sounds worrying, it can be thought of as pruning a plant to promote better growth.

The difference in development between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex can lead to an increased desire for reward seeking which is often stimulated by interactions with their peers.

As a result it can be easier for emotionally driven or risk-taking behaviours to overtake rational thinking.

This time can be gruelling so try not to take it personally, but instead pay attention to your child's specific circumstances and be prepared to offer understanding, flexibility and patience.

Anjula's advice:

Peak teen: Are the teen years 14-16 the hardest part?
Many parents say that the toughest teen years are around 14 to 16. This is when a child can appear to be rebelling against you and may seem actively hostile. These years see them test boundaries, small disagreements can create tension, and you may find your teen is feeling powerful insecurities, which they can take out on you. Try to resist the urge to snap back at them.
What if they're having emotional outbursts?
The pressure of their school life, friendship groups, romantic experiences and changes in their own physique can all play a major part in upsetting your teen.

Secondary school may feel unbearable for them - so be understanding and try to empathise with them if they are struggling with school.

Sometimes it can feel 'too close to home' for them to share everything with you as a parent - however good your relationship is. Because of this, communication with your teen may become difficult and strained, it's no failure on your part if they benefit from speaking to another trusted adult, such as an aunt, uncle, older sibling or teacher.

Spreading the load is also helpful for you as a parent - try to not feel alone in dealing with this - this article from Parents' Toolkit is about creating your own support network.

If your teen is pushing the boundaries and breaking more rules - don't forget this is normal, so there's no need to take offence and over personalise.

Setting clear boundaries and consequences help. If you have a partner/co-carer - make sure you agree what the boundaries are so you can be consistent in your rules. 'Teens, are very concerned with fairness, they will often spot inconsistency quickly and may become upset.

Be careful not to preach at them, make sure you engage in calm communication - this will de-escalate any disagreements.

Sometimes talking to each other over text can help you both articulate feelings in a calm way and spell out exactly what is going on. Think carefully about the words you choose and how they might be read, to avoid misinterpretation.

Anjula says:" At times you may feel at a total loss of how to help your teen during this very turbulent time. But be reassured that this is all normal and part of your teenager's development. So hang on in there, both of you. "

Scientific advice by Dr Emma Parish, paediatric and adolescent consultant at Evelina London Children's Hospital.

For more on the teenage brain, this episode of the BBC World Service podcast Deeply Human meets teens and a brain scientist to find out why the rollercoaster highs and lows of teenage life might be good for us.

If your child needs further support

If your child is in need of in-the-moment support they can contact Childline, where they can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mental health charity Young Minds have this quick 'help finder' to guide young people and parents to information and support.

There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.

There is more advice and information for parents of teens on the Parents' Toolkit here.

Bitesize Support offer advice to teens on staying safe as they navigate adolescence.

More from BBC Bitesize Parents' Toolkit...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teenagers: The critical years of 14-16 - BBC Bitesize

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bez and his son Arlo recall Arlo's teenage boundary pushing. Psychologist Anjula Mutanda explains what's going on in the teenage brain at this time of life and how parents can deal with their teen's behaviour.

# data[].attributes.body
From humming to imagining yourself in the future – try these tricks with your child to help teach them how to keep their stress levels low.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Wellbeing experts on the simple daily habits that keep their stress levels in check

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From humming to imagining yourself in the future – try these tricks this International Stress Awareness Week.

# data[].attributes.body
A University of Manchester study reveals that high social media use among teenagers is linked to less healthy lifestyles, including reduced physical activity, poor sleep, and lower wellbeing, with the most disadvantaged youth facing greater lifestyle challenges.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Study shows links between social media use, unhealthy lifestyles and teenage wellbeing

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A new study from The University of Manchester has highlighted a link between social media use, unhealthy lifestyles and wellbeing in young people, with those with the healthiest lifestyles experiencing the highest wellbeing.The research, led by Dr Chris Knowles and a team of experts from the Manchester Institute of Education, as part of the #Bee…

# data[].attributes.body
Tellmi is a mental health app for young people, offering anonymous peer support and professional moderation. It provides a safe space to share feelings, seek advice, and connect on topics like mental health, stress, and relationships.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tellmi allows you to share your problems anonymously, and receive free and immediate support and advice from people who get what you are going through.

# data[].attributes.body
Tue 19th November, 1pm, online. This workshop is aimed at parents of children aged 12-18, and will increase your understanding of low mood and provide tools to support your child.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Everyone has days when they feel low, this is normal. Sometimes this low mood hangs around for longer and starts to make it difficult for our children to do the things that are important to them. This can affect their relationships with others. For us as parents it can be hard to spot these difficulties especially among all the other changes that are happening in adolescence.

This workshop will help you to have a better understanding of why your child may be more vulnerable to low mood during adolescence, the warning signs, and provide the tools to support your child.

This session will take place via Zoom. You can access the event either by using the link in your confirmation email or using the Online Event Page. A password is not required to enter the event. To access the Online Event Page please click the "View the Event" button on the reminder email and log into your Eventbrite account. More detailed instructions will be sent with your confirmation email.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
supporting your child or adolescent with low mood

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
supporting your child or adolescent with low mood tickets

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supporting Your Child or Adolescent with Low Mood

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Eventbrite - Psychology in Schools Team - NSFT presents Supporting Your Child or Adolescent with Low Mood - Tuesday, 19 November 2024 - Find event and ticket information.

# data[].attributes.body
If you feel your child may benefit from counselling, please reach out to us at school. Alternatively, we highly recommend Teenage Mental Health.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Child, Adolescent and Young Adult Therapy

We at Teenage Mental Health are here to help both you and your child, we understand the toll poor mental health can take on young people and those caring for them.

We can work with you and your child to ensure positive outcomes for all through specialist child therapy

When you have a child that is ill you want help as soon as possible, often parents contacting us have been on a roller coaster of referrals and waiting lists which only adds to the stress for both the parent and child. To help support you and help you step off this roller coaster we ensure that a first appointment is made available to you within 48 hours of an enquiry, this appointment lasts 1 hour and is free of charge, with no obligation for ongoing treatment.

Meet the newest member of
the team, Womble - our white German Shepherd

We are delighted to introduce Womble our onsite therapy dog in training. He is a super fluffy, very friendly young chap who adores welcoming new people to the centre. But don't worry if you are afraid of dogs or have allergies, he is a good boy and does not meet and greet anyone that would find this difficult.
He's ready to meet you!

We offer training courses

We are now able to offer full training courses for both parents/carers and professionals.
Please click on the button below to visit our training website.

Free bookmarks?

We have a wide range of bookmarks available for both primary and secondary schools ages. The 6 topics on the bookmarks include bullying, anxiety, nervousness, intrusive thoughts, worried, and self harm. See full examples here.

These bookmarks are free of charge. If you would like to order some please use the contact form below.

For Mental Health Support in Ipswich & the surrounding areas please contact us using the details below or alternatively fill out the form and we'll ring you back to arrange an appointment.

Call: 01473 411324

Email:
reception@teenagementalhealth.co.uk

Postal Address:
31 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AQ

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teenage Mental Health | Ipswich Wellbeing & Mental Health | Teenage Mental Health | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Suppo

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Teenage Mental Health provides child, teenage / adolescent & young adult counselling / therapy services. Treating anxiety, depression, self harm, alcohol & drug abuse, gender identity, and eating disorders in Ipswich / Suffolk and surrounding areas.

# data[].attributes.body
This clip from Inside Out highlights that instead of distracting children when they're sad, it's more effective to show empathy and meet them where they are emotionally. Building connection in these moments can make a big difference.

# data[].attributes.body
Research consistently shows that boys, particularly during adolescence, often struggle to openly discuss their feelings and mental health with their parents. This clip has 6 tips to encourage healthy communication with your son.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Communicate With Your Teenage Son (6 Tips That ALWAYS Work)

# data[].attributes.body
Schedule a brief online wellbeing chat with Miss Woodmansey to discuss your child. Get support, reassurance, and helpful resources.

# data[].attributes.body
How can we help teens develop a healthy relationship with their bodies in a digital age? YouTube’s new policy restricting exposure to weight and fitness content is a positive step towards protecting young people from harmful influences. As parents, we can support this by starting open conversations at home about body image, wellbeing, and the importance of self-care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YouTube to restrict teenagers’ exposure to videos about weight and fitness | YouTube | The Guardian

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Platform will ensure algorithms do not keep pushing similar content to young viewers, even though it does not breach guidelines

# data[].attributes.body
What is sextortion? To protect your teen from sextortion, encourage them to ask questions like, "Is this person who they claim to be?" or "Would I be comfortable if this content were shared publicly?" Remind them to think critically before sharing anything online and to come to you if they ever feel pressured or unsafe. Open communication is key to keeping them safe.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Who are you really talking to? Sextortion campaign launched to keep young people safe online

# data[].attributes.body
How can you help your child manage stress effectively? With increasing academic pressures, especially around exams, the strong influence of social media and cyberbullying, growing concerns about appearance, widening inequalities, and rising poverty levels, it's no wonder that young people are experiencing higher levels of stress. Mo, former Chief Business Officer for Google X, explains how we can all reduce our stress levels, and why we should.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mo Gawdat: A WARNING about Stress & Anxiety! This Is Causing 70% Of Heart Attacks In Young People!

# data[].attributes.body
Around 1 in 10 teens self-harm. Those who self-harm often experience intense emotions and may view self-injury as their only way to cope. This video is particularly helpful for parents to watch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
#NoHarmDone | A Parent's Journey | My Child Self-Harms | YoungMinds

If you're worried that your child is self-harming but they aren't talking to you about it or showing visible injuries, it can be difficult to know what's going on.

Ways that young people self-harm

Some ways that young people self-harm include:

cutting themselves

scratching skin with fingernails

burning skin

biting skin

hitting themselves, or banging their head or another part of their body on a wall

pulling hair out from their head, eyebrows or eyelashes

inserting objects into their body

Things to look out for

If you are worried your child may be self-harming, here are some things to look out for:

unexplained cuts, burns, bite marks, bruises or bald patches

keeping themselves covered, for example wearing long sleeves or trousers even during hot weather, not wanting to change clothes around others or avoiding activities like swimming

bloody tissues in waste bins

seeming low or depressed, for example withdrawing from friends and family

blaming themselves for problems or expressing feelings of failure, uselessness or hopelessness

outbursts of anger or argumentativeness

Self-harm is usually a way of trying to manage very difficult feelings. People often self-harm when life feels hard to cope with - when lots of distressing feelings have built up and it's become overwhelming. In the moment, the sensation of self-harming and experiencing some physical pain can feel easier than feeling out of control emotionally.

If a young person is self-harming, it's often a sign that something in their life isn't quite right or has become too much to deal with. It can be understood as an important message about how a young person is feeling - one that needs to be noticed with care by the adults around them.

Some myths you might hear about self-harm can make it harder to talk about as a parent - including that it's a 'phase' young people go through, or that it's an attention-seeking behaviour.

While it might feel hard to understand sometimes from the outside, self-harm can be a way for a young person to:

manage, reduce or express very strong and upsetting emotions - such as hurt, sadness, anger, fear or feeling bad about themselves

relieve tension and pressure, or reduce feelings of panic and anxiety and temporarily feel calmer

experience a feeling of physical pain to distract from emotional pain

gain a sense of control over feelings or problems - for example, by feeling there's something they can do when things feel too much

stop feeling numb or 'zoned-out' - which can be a protection mechanism our bodies use when we're experiencing overwhelming feelings

However, while it often feels like self-harm brings some relief in the moment, this is only temporary. As feelings build up again, so does the urge to self-harm. As this cycle continues over time, a young person may start to feel ashamed, confused or frightened about the fact that they're self-harming - increasing the load they're carrying on top of what they're already going through. This can become a cycle that's really hard to break, and a habit that's hard to stop.

Helping your child in the short term

When the urge to self-harm does build in the moment, having a list of other things they can do straight away can also help your child to 'ride the wave of' their intense feelings without self-harming.

Remember that different things will work for different people, and that what helps will usually depend on the feelings your child is trying to manage. Some young people will want to do something soothing like wrapping themselves up in a comfy space, while others might want to do something very active to burn off the energy in their body.

Talk to your child about different strategies they could try, while also giving them space to find their own ways of coping and figure out what works for them. Strategies could include:

Making and using a self soothe box

Writing down how they're feeling in a journal

Writing down difficult feelings on pieces of paper and then ripping them up

Ripping up a magazine or newspaper

Hitting a soft cushion, pillow or bean bag

Listening to loud music

Having a shower

Doing some exercise

Going for a walk outside, or taking the dog for a walk

Focusing on their breathing - how it feels in their body to breathe in and out

Wrapping up in a blanket or duvet

Talking to someone - a friend, family member or calling a helpline

Tidying or organising something

Doing a hobby they enjoy that helps them feel calm, such as painting, drawing, colouring-in, watching a favourite TV programme, playing video games, cooking or baking

Your child might want to use an app like Calm Harm so they have something on their phone that suggests different techniques they can try when they feel the urge to self-harm.

Helping your child over the longer term

Over the longer-term, becoming more aware of how they feel when they self-harm, what's making them feel this way and what kinds of things help, will empower your child to feel more in control. This will hopefully reduce the sense of being overwhelmed and the feeling that they need to self-harm. You can find more tips about this below.

It might help to start a conversation while walking outside or doing an activity, which can help your child to feel more relaxed and make it feel less like a 'big chat'. It can also help both of you to be in a neutral space, for example not in their bedroom. You can find our activity ideas for starting a conversation in our guide to talking to your child about mental health.

While you may understandably have lots of questions, it's important to remember your child is going through a tough time and may find this overwhelming. Focus on finding out how they're doing, without bombarding them for information.

Remember that your child may feel ashamed about self-harming and find it difficult to talk about. Let them come to you when they feel ready to talk, and reassure them that they can talk to you as often and for as long as they need to.

If your child is struggling to talk, they might find it easier to text you or write you a letter. This also gives you time to process what they've told you and think about how you'd like to respond.

When your child does open up, try to focus on listening, showing empathy and being curious about what it's like for them, rather than trying to 'fix' things straightaway. Sometimes they will just want you to listen and understand how they are feeling.

What kinds of thoughts are they having, and how do they feel in their bodies? For example, they might start to feel more zoned-out, or like they're full of panic. This can help them to recognise what feelings they're trying to cope with, and what they can do instead to express and manage these.

Keeping a mood diary might help them to understand this overtime - this could be as simple as a word, phrase or emoji that they note down each day.

Responding to self-harm - Roundup | YoungMinds Parents Lounge

There are different places where you can find help for your child. Speaking to your GP is often a good place to start, as they can discuss your concerns, speak to your child to find out how they're doing and let you know what support options are available. Depending on your child's situation, they can also refer them for an assessment by a mental health specialist or to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). You can speak to the GP yourself to explain the situation and ask for advice, even if your child doesn't want to talk to them.

Young people who are self-harming may find it particularly helpful to speak to a counsellor or therapist, who can help them to make sense of how they're feeling and work with them to find new ways of coping. Our guide to counselling services takes you through the process of finding a counsellor or therapist for your child.

You can find out more about speaking to GPs, finding a counsellor or therapist, accessing CAMHS, getting help from your child's school and finding local services on our guide to getting support from mental health services.

Trying to find the right help for your child and finding your way around different services can be really tiring at times - so keep reminding yourself that you're doing your best and that it's not easy.

Some young people who are self-harming will find it very difficult to speak to a professional, go to appointments or even acknowledge what's going on. If things are feeling stuck, you can call our Parents Helpline for information, advice and support.

Parents have found the following things helpful to keep in mind when seeking professional help:

If you're feeling under a lot of strain yourself, or that the situation is too much to manage as a parent, it's often a sign that more professional help is needed.

Try to speak to professionals early on, before things have escalated to a crisis situation.

Encourage your child to give themselves some time to get to know a professional and build trust, remembering that they might be starting from a very withdrawn place.

Ask if you can see the same professional each time, so that you and your child don't have to keep re-explaining the situation.

Be open minded about different types of treatment - remembering that what works for your child might not be the same as what would work for you.

It's important to take your child to hospital or to your GP if they have any injuries or wounds that require medical attention.

It can be helpful to understand as a parent that self-harm is often a coping mechanism to help someone manage, and isn't necessarily an expression of suicidal feelings or an attempt to take their own life. However, people who experience suicidal thoughts can be more likely to have self-harmed in the past. If you're worried that your child may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, read our guide to find out how you can access help.

If your child is having a mental health crisis and needs urgent help now, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

If your child's life is at risk, or if it does not feel like they're safe, please call 999 for an ambulance or take them straight to A&E.

Find urgent help

Finding out that your child is self-harming can be an incredibly distressing, or even traumatic, experience as a parent. It's completely normal to struggle with feelings of anxiety, confusion, sadness, anger, frustration, guilt or shame.

Try to take time when you can to check in with yourself, and to think about ways you can take care of yourself as well as your child. Remember that it's okay to ask for help when you need it, and to share your worries with someone you trust.

Many parents who have been in this situation find it helpful to reach out to other parents so they can talk through how they have handled difficult situations and found support. You may also be able to find a local parent support group using the Charlie Waller Trust directory.

If you need more help, speaking to your GP is a good place to start, and they may be able to refer you to a local support service. Sometimes it helps just having someone there who can listen to what you're going through - and if you need someone to talk to, you can call the Samaritans anytime on 116 123.

Useful helplines and websites

While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

This page was reviewed in July 2021. It was created with parents and carers with lived experience of supporting their child or young person with self-harm. We will next review the page in 2024. YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK - the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.
Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Self-Harm & Mental Health | Guide For Parents

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read our guide to self-harm to learn more about what self-harm is, what the signs of self-harm are in a young person, and where to get support.

# data[].attributes.body
Tue 24th September, online. This workshop will cover why we need sleep, why teenagers may struggle more with sleep, and how you can support your child to sleep better. It is free to sign up.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Supporting your Child or Adolescent with Sleep

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This workshop will cover why we need sleep, why teenagers may struggle more with sleep, and how you can support your child to sleep better.