Abstract

Self-harm and suicidal behaviours are increasingly common in young people, but are often hidden. It can be hard to know what might be causing a young person to self-harm, and how to help and support them.

Practical and easy to read, A Short Introduction to Understanding and Supporting Children and Young People Who Self-Harm guides the reader through what self-harm is, how to recognise it, and how best to respond. It combines case studies with professional and practical advice, covering all aspects from warning signs and treatment to communication and how the family is affected. The book also emphasizes the importance of parents and carers seeking support for themselves.

This book is an invaluable source of information and guidance for parents, teachers, youth workers, and others who care for a young person showing signs of self-harm or suicidal behaviour.

This book combines case studies with professional advice to help the reader take the first steps towards helping the young person in need... will be an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, youth workers, and others who care for a young person showing signs of self-harm or suicidal behaviour.
In Our Hands blog
Carol Fitzpatrick is Professor of Child Psychiatry at University College Dublin, UK and is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who has over 30 years' experience of working with young people with self-harm or suicidal behaviour. She is a co-founder of the SPACE Programme, an award-winning support programme for parents and carers of young people with self-harm or suicidal behaviour.
Written by a Child Psychiatrist, this book offers helpful information and guidance to parents and carers of young people who self-harm. Through her considerable experience of working with this group of young people, the author has developed an awareness of the negative impact that self-harming can have on parents and carers as well as the positive support they are able to offer to the young people they care for... this book (is) a valuable and practical resource.
Youth in Mind

Of particular use to me was the chapter on the parents/professionals views of their own support needs. The advice and content of this chapter has been consumed into my current work. The list of further websites and resources has been invaluable in providing advice and support to young people and their families.

I would recommend this book to anyone who works with this client group it provides invaluable and credible advice and empathic support.

Debate