How to explain self harm to a child

[whatohwhattodo]

I have posted previously about a relative with eupd.

The situation has escalated and they are currently sectioned although like to be released.

They self harm - at home mainly tablets but also cutting and burning themselves. My oldest dd has got very upset that she could not visit them in hospital (the ward was very volatile and I was not comfortable with her going)

My question is how is best to talk about it if they both (7+11) see all the scars and burns. There are some old ones they have seen but they are very faint. These are current and blistered etc.

It's also a very real prospect that he will actually die possible in near future from accidental overdose and I have no idea how I would discuss with them in an age appropriate way.

Thank you for the flowers @Aridane

It's ok. I think the support group has made me realise though that even if she gets admitted for specialist treatment it doesn't mean it will be a magic cure and this may be something we need to deal with for many years to come.

I hope it stabilises though as I really cannot handle this level of uncertainty and frankly expectations from her that everyone drops everything to attend to her at that very moment.