Conditions We Treat

Self-Harm in Children and Young People

Sensitive, multidisciplinary support for children and young people who are harming themselves or experiencing emotional distress.

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30 min consultation

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Understanding Self-Harm

Self-Harm Is Often a Sign of Emotional Distress

Self-harm refers to intentionally causing injury to one's own body. It may be used as a way of coping with emotions or experiences that feel overwhelming or difficult to communicate.

Self-harm does not always mean that a young person intends to end their life. However, it should always be taken seriously because it may be associated with significant distress and an increased risk of further harm.

A calm, compassionate response can help the young person feel safer discussing what they are experiencing.

Possible Signs

What Might Parents and Caregivers Notice?

  • Unexplained or recurring injuries
  • Wearing clothing that conceals the body, including in warm weather
  • Avoiding changing clothes or situations where injuries may be noticed
  • Withdrawing from family, friends or activities
  • Increased sadness, anxiety, irritability or emotional distress
  • Expressing feelings of worthlessness, guilt or hopelessness
  • Difficulties managing strong emotions
  • Changes in sleep, appetite or school participation
  • Keeping potentially harmful items hidden
  • Talking or writing about self-harm
  • Becoming unusually secretive
  • Increased need for supervision or safeguarding support

Individual signs do not confirm self-harm and may have other explanations. Concerns should be approached sensitively and without accusation.

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Responding to Self-Harm

Listen, Support and Take Concerns Seriously

If a child or young person discloses self-harm, try to remain calm and listen without judgement. Avoid criticism, punishment or demands that they immediately explain or stop the behaviour.

Focus first on their immediate safety and emotional wellbeing. Let them know that they are not in trouble and that appropriate professional support is available. Self-harm may be connected to depression, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties or other mental health and developmental needs.

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Our Approach

How Hiba Can Help

Hiba by Anthalora provides sensitive clinical support focused on understanding the emotional distress and circumstances associated with self-harm.

Care may involve psychology, psychiatry, mental health nursing, occupational therapy or other relevant disciplines. Depending on the young person's needs, support may include psychological therapy, emotional regulation strategies, family guidance, risk monitoring and collaborative safety planning.

The level and type of support will be determined by the young person's individual needs and level of risk.

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Urgent and Crisis Support

If a Child or Young Person Is in Immediate Danger

Hiba by Anthalora is an outpatient service and does not provide emergency or crisis intervention.

If a child or young person has a serious injury, is in immediate danger, may harm themselves again or requires urgent medical or psychiatric attention, contact the appropriate UAE emergency service or attend the nearest emergency department immediately. Please do not wait for an outpatient consultation in an emergency.

The Clinical Pathway

The Care Journey

Every family receives a clear and structured journey, from the first referral through to personalised intervention and ongoing progress reviews.

A family, GP or school gets in touch. We listen carefully and gently open the door to support.

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Let's Connect

Speak With Our Team About Non-Urgent Concerns

If you are concerned about self-harm but the child or young person is not in immediate danger, speak with our team about the care and support options available.