Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know

 

In BC, approximately 1 in 6(1) youth engage in self-harm. Self-harm, also referred to as self-injury, is a behaviour used to cope with bigger, underlying emotions – and is also a behaviour that many parents and other caring adults are understandably concerned about. In this episode, we speak to a youth, who has lived experience with self-harm; and a clinical counsellor, Kim Leifso, who has supported many youth who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child.

This episode is a collaboration between BC Children's Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and FamilySmart.  

You can find a video of this podcast in the FamilySmart Resource Library. See video 


Introducing this episode's FamilySmart guest-host: Victoria Keddis!

Victoria is a Mom. She also works with FamilySmart an organization committed to making things better for children, youth and young adults with mental health challenges and their families and other caring adults.

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(1) BC Adolescent Health Survey, McCreary Centre Society, 2018

Guest bios
Kim Leifso
Registered Clinical Counsellor

Kim Leifso has been working with teens for over 20 years, and has spent much of her career working specifically with children and youth struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts. She is currently working as an Intervention Specialist at Vanguard Secondary School in Langley, BC. Over the years, Kim has worked with children, youth, families, and couples involving a multitude of mental health issues and other challenges. Kim is also an experienced facilitator and has been invited to provide workshops and training for Corrections Canada, 9-1-1 Operators, RCMP, Doctors of BC, various Public and Private School Districts, and much more. She also works as a Violent Threat Risk Assessment trainer with Safer Schools Together. Kim holds a Master's of Education in Counselling from the UBC, is a Registered Clinical Counselor, and a member of the American Association of Suicidology.    

FamilySmart® Youth in Residence

We are joined by a FamilySmart® Youth in Residence who provides peer-support, resources, and system navigation to families and young people across BC. They understand the effect that mental health challenges can have on young people and families, and helps to support those who are struggling.   

 

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Self-Harm: What Families Need to Know

In this episode, we speak to a youth who has lived experience with self-harm; and a clinical counsellor who has supported many youth who have self-harmed. Walk away from this episode with a greater understanding of why youth self-harm and what parents can do to support their child.
Where You Are Podcast

Through real stories, expertise, and practical tips, this podcast helps families promote their mental health and wellness, navigating important topics to meet you where you are in your journey.

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Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre

BC Children's Hospital 
Healthy Minds Centre, Building #85, Room P3-302, 3rd floor,
4555 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9:30am - 5:00pm

Local Phone: 604 875 2084
Toll-Free: 1 800 665 1822
keltycentre@cw.bc.ca

The BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre is located on the unceded, traditional and ancestral territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

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Need urgent help?

Call 911 or go to your local hospital’s emergency room if you or anyone else’s safety is at risk and immediate help is needed.

If you or someone you know is thinking about ending their own life, or needs someone to talk to about suicidal thoughts or ideas:

  • Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) for the BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line. Available in over 140 languages using a language service.
  • Call 1-800-588-8717 for the BC KUU-US Indigenous Crisis and Support Line.  
  • Call or text 988 for the National Suicide Crisis Helpline. Available in English and French.

For mental health or substance use crisis support:

  • Call 310-6789 for the BC Mental Health Support Line anytime for emotional support, information and resources. Available in over 140 languages using a language service.

 For commonly asked questions about supports and services in BC, explore our Ask Kelty Mental Health tool.