The rise in the numbers of young people harming is well documented but it’s still a much-misunderstood issue. The first thing many people who self-harm will tell you is that self-harm is not the problem but an attempt to cope with overwhelming feelings, anxiety or emotional pain. It’s often done in secret, with parents and friends unaware of what’s happening. It can be addictive and dangerous – hospital admissions for self-harm have risen by 68% in the last decade. In this course you’ll understand the different reasons why young people harm, what triggers them and how it affects the body and mind. You’ll also discover how to respond when someone discloses that they’re harming, and how to help them find different and safer ways of coping. We’ll outline a range of support strategies and resources you can use in your own setting, and explain the different kinds of professional help available.