Self-Harm Series – Part 3 –
In addition to regular professional mental health support, here are some things you can do to help your teen:
– Show that you care
– Be non-judgmental
– Accept your teen’s feelings
– Suggest distractions
– Learn basic first aid
– Encourage them to communicate their feelings
– Ensure an authoritative balance in your parenting style
Avoid:
– Guilt trips
– Punishing your teen for self-harm
What can the school do to support my teen?
Ask to see your school’s policy on self-harm management. If your school does not have a policy, get in touch with your treating psychologist who can provide the school with resources and psycho-education. Make sure the school counselor sees your teen regularly, and that they are aware of any safety and risk issues.
If you suspect that your teen is self-harming, seek professional help as soon as possible. Contact Promises Healthcare for a confidential enquiry today.
If your teen is in any danger, contact your local ambulance service on 995. You can contact the Institute for Mental Health 24-hour hotline on 6389-2222.
This is part 3, of a series of 3 posts Click here for Part 1 Click here for Part 2
Written by: Leeran Gold – Psychologist, Forensic Services, Promises Healthcare
Self-Harm Series – Part 2 –
How do I know if my teen is self-harming?
Self-harming is usually a very private and secretive behavior. Teens may self-harm on areas of their bodies that are difficult to see. In some cases, teens may self-harm in more obvious areas including their wrists, ankles, arms and legs.
If you notice dressing or bandages, or cuts, bruises, burns and/or marks in these areas, your teen may be self-harming.
Other signs can include withdrawing from friends and family, excessive moodiness, increased irritability and anger outbursts, and changes in appetite and body weight.
Why is my teen self-harming?
Teens may self-harm in order to cope with stress. Self-harm can temporarily numb or relieve their distress, and can be a way of communicating their distress to others. Teens who self-harm often lack healthy coping strategies and feel helpless in managing their distress.
If your teen is self-harming, or you suspect that they are, seek professional help and contact Promises Healthcare for a confidential enquiry as soon as possible.
If your teen is in any danger, you can contact your local ambulance service on 995. You can contact the Institute for Mental Health 24-hour hotline on 6389-2222.
This is part 2, of a series of 3 posts Click here for Part 1
Written by: Leeran Gold – Psychologist, Forensic Services, Promises Healthcare
Self-Harm Series – Part 1 –
What is self-harm?
Self-harm is the deliberate self-inflicted destruction of body tissue. It can occur with or without suicidal intentions. A commonly used term is ‘non-suicidal self-injury’ (NSSI), which refers to self-injury that is carried out without suicidal intent.
If my teen self-harms, does that mean they are suicidal?
It does not necessarily mean that your teen is suicidal if they self-harm. However every teen that self-harms should undergo a thorough suicide risk assessment. If your teen is self-harming, it is a sign that they are in distress.
What are self-harming behaviors?
Some self-harming behaviors include; cutting, burning, scratching, pinching, biting and hitting. Teens may also take minor overdoses of easily accessibly medications.
If your teen is self-harming, or you suspect that they are, seek professional help as soon as possible. Please contact Promises Healthcare for a confidential enquiry.
If your teen is in any danger, you can contact your local ambulance service on 995. You can contact the Institute for Mental Health 24-hour hotline on 6389-2222.
This is part 1, of a series of 3 posts
Written by: Leeran Gold – Psychologist, Forensic Services, Promises Healthcare
Signs your son or daughter may be in crisis
– Self-harming such as cutting or burning
– Expressing suicidal thoughts
– Withdrawal from friends and family
– Poor academic performance
– Getting into fights at school or at home
– Changes in appetite and body weight
– Appearing moody, anxious and irritable
– Posting negative self statements on social media
– Experimenting with alcohol or drugs
What can you do to help your teen?
– Access a support network for help and advice
– Provide your teen with support and encouragement to seek help
Most importantly, get in touch with a mental health professional for guidance and support. Contact our Forensic Team at Promises Healthcare for a confidential enquiry. We can provide you with comprehensive suicide risk assessments and treatment plans to help your teen get back on track.
If you need urgent help
If you feel that your teenager is in any danger, you can also contact your local ambulance service on 995. For after hours emergencies contact the Institute for Mental Health 24-hour hotline on 6389-2222.
Written by: Leeran Gold – Psychologist, Forensic Services at Promises Healthcare
https://promises.com.sg/leeran-gold/
Picture Source: thebrokenplaces.wordpress.com
Promises Forensics – Lawyers who lunch
Friday 29th January 2016 marked the first executive lunch of the year with expert discussion on mental health and the law. Hosted by Winslow Clinic and Harry Elias Partnership, 20 legal experts joined the Winslow Clinic Forensic Services team for an exclusive lunch hosted at Wooloomooloo Steakhouse.
The crowd was treated to insights and perspective on mental health and the legal arena by two of the leading experts in their respective fields; Dr Munidasa Winslow and Mr Harry Elias, who have over 80 years of combined experience.
Keep an eye on our events page for more upcoming professional development events for those working in the field of mental health and the law.
To find out more about our forensic services, please contact our clinic.
Written by: Leeran Gold – Psychologist, Promise Healthcare