Self-harm (SH) is not a diagnosis, but rather a way a young person can try to manage previous trauma, express difficult feelings or respond to an overwhelming situation. SH can involve an overdose, cutting, burning, punching, or any activity that deliberately harms the young person. It is complex, multifactorial, becoming increasingly prevalent and a major risk factor for suicide and mortality in young people. In April 2022, the charity Young Minds reported that the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service faced an unprecedented crisis, and that the system was at breaking point. Due to these secondary care capacity issues, primary care is managing more cases of SH in young people. A survey of over 500 GPs from Pulse magazine found that 70% provided mental health support for children beyond their level of competence. This article will explore how SH presents, discuss a structured approach to the assessment of SH and help readers develop skills to promote the effective and safe management of SH.
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