self harming

andreia ferreira

Hi,
I have recently found out that a close family member is self harming. He is only a young teenager. He also started smoking and he might be doing drugs.
Do you know of any book, forums, groups, documentary, etc, who might help me helping this person and helping me to deal with it?
I am feeling so lost.
Thank you in advance.

Bananaleaf

Hi

His school need to know. They spend more time with this young child than his family do Mon - Fri. They might have some supports that he could avail of, such as a counselling service? If he is already taking drugs, simply forcing him to stay indoors isn't going to solve the problem.

I do think it is important to let the school know though. I know some people will say that it is not, because if they hear the word 'drugs' they will kick him out. They won't.

stove

Hi OP,

Sounds like this young lad is going to need a bit of support. If he is under 18 and you are not his parent then it could be important that they know.

The first port of call might be his or your GP. They would be able to refer to suitable services which can help in this situation.

They will provide the best advice once the situation is explained to them.

Magicmatilda

Headstrong are a good source of support for teenage mental illness.

GP also and the local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental health services) though these are seriously stretched and you could be waiting years for an appointment.

Have you talked to him and asked him why he does it? Its important to know that this is far more common amongst teenagers than you might think. I know a couple that went through it and both are fine now and have stopped, (still on the waiting list for psychologist!) So please try not to panc as that will not help the young person involved. I would receommend a counsellor sepcialised in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

That said it is important to understand why he is doing this? Are there problems in the family? Are there problems at school?

Also any other slightly older young people who could talk to him?

cbyrd

First port of call is his parents asap. The gp will refer to either a teen focused support service or to CAMHS depending on the risk factor. Ie is it just self harm or are there suicide tendencies.
This is not something that you should keep to yourself or try to help him yourself. He needs professional services. Once referred to camhs though appointments are very quick.