What happens when they leave hospital?
- When CYP who self-harm leave hospital, they may receive ongoing care from a number of different individuals and services.
- Ongoing support is determined by their level of risk. This is established through a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified practitioner.
- This assessment is complex. The impact of each risk factor varies from person to person and can fluctuate depending on the mood and circumstances of a CYP at anytime.
Risk levels - indicators and service options
Select the levels above to explore risk indicators and service options.
Risk level: Low
Indicators
- Self-harm as coping mechanism
- Fleeting thoughts of suicide but no intent or plan
- Protective factors evident including support network, hope of recovery, seeking help
Service Options
- Counselling service
- School nurse
- Self-help resources and online information
- GP
Risk level: Medium
Indicators
- Suicidal thoughts frequently but no specific plan or immediate intent
- Evidence of persistent symptoms of mental ill health in particularly depression, anxiety or psychosis
- Significant alcohol and/or substance use
- Previous suicide attempts
- Current self harm
- Reluctance to share with support network or withdrawal from peers and/or family
Service Options
- Counselling service
- School nurse
- Self-help resources and online information
- GP
- Community CAMHS
Risk level: High
Indicators
- Frequent suicidal thoughts with increased intensity which are difficult to ignore
- Some planning/intent or ambivalence
- Research of potentially lethal means
- Access to means
- Previous suicide attempts
- Significant alcohol and/or substance use
- Withdrawal from support network
- Evidence of persistent symptoms of mental ill health especially depression, anxiety or psychosis
- Family history of, or peer suicide
Service Options
- GP
- Specialist CAMHS referral
- Increased support from existing network – increased monitoring and review
Angela's story
Tim's story
