Abstract

Meet Asher - a teenager who self-harms to manage their feelings when it all feels like too much.

The latest in the best-selling Can I Tell You About... series describes what self-harm is, along with the wide range of behaviours that qualify, why teens do it, and how to get help if you feel the need to self-harm. Reflecting on the different aspects of self-harming behaviour, including treatment of injuries and scars, this concise introduction dispels common myths and offers helpful resources to break the cycle of self-harm. By initiating the conversation around self-harm, this guide will offer alternative avenues for children and young adults to pursue when dealing with big feelings, such as professional counselling, distraction, and friends and family.

This easy-to-read guide is suitable for readers 7+, along with their parents, teachers, and friends. All author royalties from the book will go towards the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.

Pooky has a knack of taking really complex situations and making them seen easier to deal with and matter-of-fact. Great advice here for anyone whose life is touched by self-harm.
Colin Gambles, Rector at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, Glasgow
Sensitively written ... It covers a subject that is still commonly not talked about and I am sure it will encourage families and schools to have a more open dialogue about self-harm.
Dr Lucy Willetts, Clinical Psychologist
Pooky Knightsmith writes in an engaging, accessible style in straightforward language which oozes compassion and heart. Young people, families and professionals will find this a valuable tool to help them understand, cope with and start a journey of recovery from self-harm.
Steven Walker MPhil, author of Responding to Self-Harm in Children and Adolescents, 2012
This small book enables us to understand the complexities of self-harm and is essential reading for anyone trying to overcome self-harming behaviour, as well as their families, friends, teachers and health care professionals.
Maxine Jameson, Associate Professor in Primary Care, London South Bank University
Pooky Knightsmith is Director of the Children, Young People and Schools Programme at the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust and Vice Chair of Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition.
Self-harm explained in a voice that is honest, frank, encouraging and informative. Advice for day-to-day challenges is clear and feasible to try.
Anna Corbett, Registered Nurse, School Nurse
Truly insightful ... Captures all the questions we have about self-harm.
Shamyla Naveed, Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner
When understanding of self-harm is limited and time is tight, this must be the first book to read. A 'must have' for every school wellbeing library.
Clare Roberts, Director of Mental Health & Wellbeing, The Magna Carta School, Surrey
Written in Pooky's warm and approachable style ... a must-have in any wellbeing library and an excellent resource for adults and young people alike.
Caro Fenice, Housemistress, Cobham Hall School