Self Harm

Problem

Self Harm

Description

Self harm without suicidal intent takes many forms and can be seen as a way of dealing with difficult feelings that build up. Self harm here would have the absence of suicidal intent.
Self harm with suicidal intent should always be taken seriously. However the decision to attempt suicide is often a hasty one – following arguments with family, friends and partner. Therefore it is important to establish if the intent was to end one’s life.
Self-harm is rare in children under 12 years of age, but we must remain alert to the possibility.

It is often difficult to establish whether a CAMHS referral is appropriate or necessary for this group. We would encourage discussion prior to referral.

Patients who have taken overdoses or otherwise serious self-harm should be sent directly to A&E in the first instance, they will be assessed, often by liaison services who will consult with CAMHS and decide whether or not a referral for further treatment is indicated.

Referrals from hospital will be prioritised (in case of emergency presentations or overdose) & those protocols are already in place.
Please let us know if there are any likely difficulties in getting the young person to attend follow up appointments

Self harm can be very anxiety provoking for professionals.

CAMHS are committed to providing training and development opportunities to Tier 1 professionals to assist them to deal with self harm.

This is accessed via

Self harm and Suicide Pathway

www.selfharm.co.uk
www.harmless.org.uk/ourResources/downloads

Choose Life

Offer free training e.g. Safe Talk, ASSIST & MH First Aid.

Locality based mental health information/resources

https://ithriveedinburgh.org.uk/(Edinburgh)
http://midspace.co.uk/(Midlothian)
http://eastspace.org.uk/(East Lothian)
http://www.westspace.org.uk/(West Lothian)

Edinburgh: Penumbra

Service for 16 and over and advice for parents.
Penumbra self harm project
5 Leamington Terrace Edinburgh
EH10 4JW
Tel 0131 229 6262

Young Minds

Parent helpline. Information and advice on young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Tel: 0808 802 5544
www.youngminds.org.uk

Systemic Family Sessions

Free service to help families deal with difficult problems.

Email: cf.systemicfamilytherapy@edinburgh.gov.uk

West Lothian

The Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing Screening group offers a wide variety of support for children young people and their families. Please contact the Children and Young Peoples team on Tel. 01506 282948 or email cypt@westlothian.gov.uk

West Lothian have a clear self harm pathway. Please see for further advice.

For information and advice

http://intranet.lothian.scot.nhs.uk/NHSLothian/Healthcare/A-Z/PIREAS/Documents/Self-Harm.pdf

Midlothian

MYPAS (Midlothian young people’s advice service includes counselling and family counselling services) 0131 454 0757

Rowan alba – support service for YP’s with/from chaotic backgrounds (need to travel to Edinburgh)

The following contains information about Midlothian services, but there are detailed sections suicide and self-harm which are a useful general resource. Supporting children and Young People at risk of Self-Harm Midlothian.pdf