In this episode, GP Bianca Forrester and Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist A/Prof Sandra Radovini tackle the tricky topic of self-harming and suicidal behaviours. Sandra describes the key elements of assessment and management for self-harming behaviours themselves and the presence of self-harm as a red flag for suicidal behaviours. They discuss the importance of formal training and support when working with young people who might be experiencing these behaviours. Sandra describes how we might better understand what we can work with and when we need to refer. Sandra also reinforces the the importance of working with supports.


Patient information about Self Harmhttps://headtohealth.gov.au/mental-health-difficulties/self-harm
Safety Planning resourcesFor an explanation of safety planninghttps://au.reachout.com/articles/how-to-make-a-safety-planor directly link to the app:https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/beyondnow-suicide-safety-planning/getting-started

Training and education resourcesAsist traininghttp://www.livingworks.com.au
Orygen traininghttps://www.orygen.org.au/Training/Training-areas/Self-harm-and-suicide-prevention
Headspace training for GPshttps://headspace.org.au/health-professionals/gps-and-general-practice-at-headspace/

Phone Counselling and SupportWhere people are in crisis and need to talk to someone about their distress or trauma, there are a range of organisations listed below that can assist them.beyondbluewww.beyondblue.org.au1300 22 4636beyondblue is a national organisation that has a range of information and resources associated with depression and anxiety. Useful resources and further information about beyondblue programmes are available on its website at www.beyondblue.org.au or by contacting its Support Service on 1300 22 4636 (toll free). The Support Service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are one-on-one with a trained mental health professional, and completely confidential.
Lifeline Australiawww.lifeline.org.au13 11 14Lifeline Australia provides a free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone counselling service for adults needing emotional support. Lifeline Australia also has a range of information and resources available from their website, about providing care in times of crisis.
Kids Help Linewww.kidshelp.com.au1800 55 1800A number of children and youth may also need emotional. Kids Help Line is a free and confidential, telephone counselling service for 5 to 25 year olds in Australia.
Black Dog Institutewww.mycompass.org.auThe Black Dog Institute provides a 24 hour