When dealing with self-harming youths, parents need to be patient and not berate

Adolescents injuring themselves are deeply distressed; their behaviour is a way of coping with difficult feelings or circumstances. — Photos: dpa

Your adolescent child often has inexplicable minor injuries or scars, spends an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom or their own room, where you find a razor blade or knife and wears long sleeves and/or long trousers, even in hot weather.

These things should set off alarm bells in parents, as they could be symptoms of self-injury. What can parents do, and where can families find help? Here are some answers.