Why Mental Health Matters

Mental health is just as important as physical health. It affects how children think, feel, and behave in their daily lives. We know that a range of topics, from coping with school stress to navigating friendships, can impact a child’s emotional wellbeing. Unfortunately, children and teenagers can sometimes feel so overwhelmed by their emotions and, in some cases, they may turn to self-harm as a way to cope.

What Is Self-Harm?

Self-harm is when a young person deliberately hurts themselves as a way of managing emotional pain, stress, or feelings they may not know how to express. It may take the form of cutting, burning, or other harmful behaviours.

It’s important to understand that self-harm is not simply “attention-seeking.” It is usually a sign that a child is experiencing deep emotional distress and doesn’t yet have healthier coping strategies.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

Every child is different, but some common signs that may indicate a young person is struggling include:

• Unexplained cuts, bruises, or burns

• Wearing long sleeves or pants even in hot weather, or being secretive about their body

• Withdrawing from friends or family

• Changes in eating or sleeping habits

If you notice these signs, approach your child with care rather than judgment.

How Parents Can Help

• Create a safe space for conversation. Let your child know you are available to listen without criticism. Sometimes just knowing they can talk openly makes a world of difference.

• Validate their feelings. Even if you don’t fully understand, acknowledge that what they’re experiencing is real and difficult for them.

• Encourage healthy coping strategies. Activities like journaling, drawing, physical exercise, or mindfulness can help release emotions in safer ways.

• Seek professional support. At Brighton Hill, our Wellbeing Centre staff have specialised training to support young people who are experiencing self-harm.

• Take care of yourself too. Supporting a struggling child can be emotionally heavy. Don’t hesitate to reach out for your own support as well.

• Create a self-care plan. Use resources such as the attached Crisis and Coping Plan to discuss what triggers your child might have, and how they can keep themselves well. This will provide them with strategies other than self harm, to help them regulate their feelings.  

Resources for Families

• BHCS Wellbeing Centre – Reach out to Miss Jawad, the WBC manager, at fjawad@bhcs.sfet.org.uk.

• Local mental health services – Contact you GP directly, or do a parental referral to CAMHS: https://hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk/.

• Best Version of You – The attached document, called Best Version of You, has lost of suggest tops, tricks and resources for parents and young people.