How to Help a Child that Expresses Self-Harm Thoughts

It is not easy to watch a child struggle with self-harm thoughts. It can be even more difficult when you don’t know how to help them. Luckily, there are many things that parents and caregivers can do in order to support their children in distress. In this article, we will discuss three ways that you can help a child who expresses self-harm thoughts: talking about it, distraction techniques, and connecting the child with professional resources. Let’s get started!

Talking About It

One of the most important ways that you can help a child who is struggling with self-harm thoughts is to talk about it. In order for them to get the support they need, your child needs to feel comfortable talking about their feelings and experiences. If the parent or caregiver keeps ignoring these issues, then there will be no improvement in the mood or behavior of the loved one suffering from this issue.

When it comes to talking to them about their self-harm thoughts, the best thing to do is to be open and honest. Let them talk about their feelings, experiences, behaviors, triggers/triggers that lead to certain situations, etc. If your child is struggling with self-harm thoughts because of bullying or other issues at school then it’s best if they can keep a journal where they write down all the negative things happening in their lives so you won’t have to ask them too many questions regarding this matter.

Distraction Techniques

Distraction techniques are also an important tool when it comes to helping out a loved one who is struggling with self-harm thoughts. Distraction techniques can be used in many situations that are related to self-harm, such as before the child goes off to school for the day or even while they’re at home just trying to relax and unwind from their stressful lives.

There are several different distraction techniques you can try if your child expresses certain signs of distress. Distraction techniques include the following:

• Taking a walk, going outside, and exercising together.
• Going to the library or bookstore and picking out new books that they might like reading.
• Participating in activities such as painting or drawing (something creative).
• Cooking breakfast, lunch or dinner together
• Playing sports indoors or outdoors.

Calling a Professional Crisis Counselor

Sometimes no matter how much you try, the self-harm thoughts won’t go away. In this case, it’s best to give your child a list of professional crisis counselors who can help them with their issues (emotional distress and/or suicidal ideations). A professional counselor has the necessary education and training to handle these sensitive situations.

If your child is already in therapy, then you should talk to their therapist about how they can help them with self-harm thoughts. The professional counselor will be able to assess the situation correctly and provide a roadmap of what steps need to be done as soon as possible (if any). It’s important that even if it seems like there is no progress being made, keep trying out different types of distraction techniques until you see real improvement.

In conclusion, helping a child reach their full potential should be every parent’s top priority. There are plenty of organizations out there today that are dedicated to helping parents help their children, like Youth Villages. Youth Villages specializes in helping children who are struggling with self-harm thoughts find new ways of coping that will benefit them long into the future. They provide one-on-one therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, and other activities that help children feel supported in their lives. Another way to help a child that expresses self-harm thoughts find is to call an adolescent psychiatrist who will treat your child very well. check the website https://wellness786.com/ to know about how to find an adolescent psychiatrist. Learn more about different psychological problems that anyone can face, on this website: www.healthytipshotline.com