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How to support someone who self-harm

How to support someone who self-harm

Since self-harm is often a very private act and is often associated with feelings of shame or embarrassment, it can be challenging for people who commit it to seek help. This is why i am going to emphasize on how to How to support someone who self-harm.

A person with self-harm may seek treatment first through their general practitioner (GP). Whenever someone is talking to you about self-harm, make sure you listen carefully to their reasons for doing so. You will be able to determine what kind of support will be most beneficial for the person seeking help if you do this.

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Providing support to people who self-harm is an invaluable function of the National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE), which has excellent recommendations that healthcare professionals should follow. In addition to hospital recommendations for self-harm management, NICE also has guidelines for long-term self-harm management.

What is self-harm? - Mind

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Self-harm management over the long term

The first contact a person who self-harms may have is with their GP, but mental health services are usually the first point of contact for them. Care Programme Approaches or CPAs may be applied to them. For people who are under the care of specialist mental health services but who have complex needs, the Care Programme Approach may be the most appropriate option. The act of self-harm can be considered a complex need in certain circumstances, especially when it occurs frequently or is associated with high risks. The CPA, which consists of a care plan, can provide support to people with self-harm who need it. For both patients and staff, this is an excellent guide and reference.

Self-harm care plans might include information such as how to reduce self-harming harm, how to reduce risky behaviors, and how to help someone achieve goals that are meaningful to them, such as employment goals. An individual’s care plan includes information on the members of the team involved in his or her care, along with descriptions of their responsibilities.

Each year, self-harming individuals should have their care plans reviewed with their input.

It is imperative to incorporate a risk management plan into a person’s care plan if they self-harm. This can be a useful guide for staff members. Detailed risk management plans contain information regarding someone’s short-term and long-term risks. These are things that raise their risk of self-harm, and a crisis plan for when things become acutely difficult. The section on distracting techniques in this module discusses distraction techniques and how to contact support services.

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Those who self-harm may benefit from talking therapy to help them overcome distressing emotions and stop harming. It can be challenging to begin therapy, and people may require extra support from their CPA. Depression or another mental health condition does not warrant the recommendation of medication to reduce self-harm, but another mental illness may warrant it.

Management of self-harm in hospitals

Hospitals In Lagos: Wellness HMO List of Hospitals for 2022 - Wellness  Health Group

A person who is in the hospital because of self-harm will undergo an assessment to determine whether they are physically at risk of harm, psychologically distressed, willing to stay in the hospital for further assessment, and whether they have any possible mental health problems. In an emergency department setting, individuals who self-harm may need mental health services to assess their situation.

People who self-harm who work in emergency settings or in mental health have the right to receive a needs assessment. Self-harmers have a right to receive treatment for serious injuries as well as a risk assessment. Regardless of whether someone who self-harms wants mental health support, they have the right to receive physical treatment for their injuries.

Unsatisfied with the treatment received

Premium Photo | Sick woman health problems treatment runny nose  dissatisfaction

Everyone has the right to voice concerns about their treatment, including people who self-harm. Self-harming patients who are unhappy with their treatment should speak with their doctor about their treatment options. Should they remain dissatisfied after the consultation, let them know they can seek a second opinion. When this happens, you should help them reach out to the patient advice and liaison service (PALS) in their area.

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