Self harm - safeguarding?

[Fridaymyday]

I’ve name changed.
Is self harm ever a safeguarding issue?
I’m a single parent with a secret history of self harm. I’ve done it for a number of years but I’m currently fighting urges. I want to get some help.
One of my children has been involved and discharged by Camhs (after successful treatment) and I’ve always been viewed as a strong, capable individual as I can really hold it together when it comes for fighting my kids corner. I know I’m a good mum.... just one who has secretly self harmed.

What great news that your child has been discharged from ..well done x
I have some experience of self harming behaviour in my job.I always make sure that I ask the person if they have access to clean dressings, antiseptics etc.to prevent infection.

I understand the reasons that people self harm are very often that the pain caused by the self harm actually causes a reduction of the pain in the mind due to endorphins flooding the body..but you probably know that.

To answer your question...if a client disclosed that they had a history of self harm and that they had capacity or were not classed as a vulnerable adult, then I would say that it was not a safeguarding issue.If however there was some question around capacity ( LD, dementia, mental health diagnosis) then as a professional I would say it is a safeguarding issue.Hope this helps ..and hope your journey continues to be a positive one .It looks like you do want to stop self harming and are seeking help ..onwards and upwards! X

( I don’t know why my nickname is bossybloss...I am far from bossy ..a bit tongue in cheek I think !)

I think if you were known to be self harming now then it might be worth noting - not as a safeguarding issue as such, but perhaps because it indicates that you may be struggling with your mental health and any child with an ill parent (mental or physical illness) may be in need of extra emotional support. But if it’s in the past then no, I wouldn’t be concerned. I also have a history of self harm, and I’m a mum and a teacher. These things are in the past (I was a teenager) and I never considered they would have any bearing on my job or capabilities as a mum. Sending just because

Thank you for replying and your kind words. The thing is I don’t consider myself to have a mental health problem. I’ve just coped with too much for too long. I don’t want to self harm because I can’t risk it being flagged as safeguarding issue. Not because there is any risk to my children but because I am all they have. I’m a good solid parent. We have a loving, fun home. I’m going to continue to fight the urges but I wish I didn’t have them.