Practical Advice
The information below is from Coping with Self-harm: A Guide for Parents and Carers developed by researchers from the University of Oxford.
Overdoses:
- Get your child to an emergency department as soon as possible
- Try to find out what they have taken and tell emergency medical staff
- If your child won't tell you, look around for empty pill bottles or blister packs
Cut and Wounds:
- Apply pressure to bleeding cuts using a bandage or towel (a tea towel may be less likely to stick to the wound)
- Clean the wound under running tap water and apply a sterile adhesive dressing
- If the wound has become infected (e.g., swelling, pus forming or spreading redness) encourage your child to seek medical help
Burns:
- Cool with cold water for 10 to 30 minutes, then cover with cling film
- Don't use ice or any creams or greasy substances such as butter
- For more information on handling wounds and burns, and information about when to see a doctor, see www.nhs.uk or ring NHS Direct on 111.
Scars:
- If your child has scars, they're embarrassed about you can look into commercial products that may help them fade
- Scars can also be covered by makeup
- Remind your child that most scars will eventually fade