Let’s all Talk Mental Health is an online hub for parents, caregivers, family members and educators to support their teens through mental health struggles, social and emotional problems and parenting challenges so that you can understand the issues and find out more about routes for help. We are here to help you to help them with every challenge that they may be facing: anxiety, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, low mood & depression, ADHD, Autism, OCD, self harm and more.
 
Featuring 30 LIVE sessions each year with the UK’s top clinical psychologists, therapists & psychiatrists, every session includes at least 30 minutes of anonymous audience Q&A. A subscription to Let’s all Talk Mental Health also includes on-demand access to a huge library of in-depth sessions
 
Choose from monthly, 6 or 12 monthly subscriptions £5 per month. Or if your teen attends one of our Membership Schools, you can join with your FREE school access pass.

Let's All Talk Mental Health

Self-harm can be deeply frightening and confusing for parents and educators. When a young person hurts themselves, it is rarely about wanting to die. More often, it reflects an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions, regain a sense of control, or feel something different when distress or numbness becomes too much to manage alone.

In this session, we’ll explore why some teenagers turn to self-harm and risky behaviours, and what they may be hoping to feel when they do. With insights from **Dr Dom Thompson**, we’ll look at self-harm as a communication of distress rather than attention-seeking, and why responding with calm, curiosity, and compassion matters so much. The session will support parents and educators to understand what may be driving these behaviours, how to respond in ways that reduce risk, and how early, supportive conversations can make a meaningful difference.

Discussion Points

*   What self-harm can represent emotionally for teenagers
*   Why self-harm is often a coping strategy rather than a suicidal intent
*   Common emotional states linked to self-harm, including distress, numbness, and loss of control
*   How self-harm and risk-taking behaviours can overlap
*   Recognising signs that a young person may be struggling, even when they are trying to hide it
*   How to respond when self-harm is disclosed — and what can make things feel worse
*   The importance of open communication, curiosity, and emotional safety
*   When and how to prioritise safety and seek appropriate professional support
*   The role of schools and families in creating a joined-up, supportive response

Takeaways for Parents and Educators

*   A clearer understanding of why some teenagers self-harm
*   Greater confidence in responding with empathy rather than fear or judgement
*   Insight into how self-harm can function as a signal of unmet emotional needs
*   Practical guidance on supportive conversations and early intervention
*   Reassurance that calm, consistent support can reduce risk and improve outcomes
*   Understanding the importance of collaboration between home, school, and health services
