“Help! My Teen Is Self-Injuring” is a compassionate, practical guide designed for parents and carers of teenagers who are engaging in self-harm. Written by Dr Mark Mayfield, a licensed counsellor and youth mental health expert, this free downloadable manual offers clear, evidence-based support for families navigating the emotional shock, confusion and fear that can come with discovering a teen’s self-injury.
This self-harm guide for parents explores the emotional, psychological and relational factors behind self-injury and offers step-by-step advice on how to respond with calm, empathy and confidence. The manual also includes guidance on assessing suicide risk, managing family dynamics, and accessing the right professional help.
Topics covered include:
Understanding what self-injury is and why young people do it
Differentiating between self-harm and suicidal intent
How to speak with your teenager without judgement or panic
Practical safety planning, emotional validation, and coping tools
Managing parental reactions of guilt, anger and fear
Supporting siblings and addressing wider family impact
Faith-based reflection and encouragement for Christian families
Also included:
Real-life stories from families and young people
Worksheets and journaling prompts to process thoughts and emotions
Clear action steps and key questions to help parents move forward
Crisis guidance and when to seek emergency support
Ideal for:
Parents, foster carers and guardians of teens who self-injure
Professionals working with young people at risk of self-harm
Youth workers, counsellors and pastoral teams in faith settings
Mental health support workers and early help practitioners
Families seeking printable mental health information and practical advice
This guide empowers adults to move from fear to understanding, and from helplessness to hope. Whether your child is just beginning to show signs of distress or is already in crisis, this self-injury manual offers calm, grounded support to help your family start the journey of healing—together.
