Understanding Non-Suicidal Self Injury and How to Support Young People
Understanding Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) and How to Support Young People is a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course designed for healthcare professionals, mental health clinicians, school staff, counsellors, social workers, nurses, youth workers, and allied health practitioners working with adolescents and young adults. Non-suicidal self-injury refers to the deliberate, self-inflicted damage to body tissue without suicidal intent. It is most commonly used as a coping mechanism for emotional distress, psychological pain, trauma, or overwhelming feelings rather than an expression of a desire to die.
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Learning Outcomes
What you'll learn
- Understand the concept and definition of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
- Recognise the prevalence and demographic patterns of NSSI in young people.
- Identify psychological, emotional, and social reasons behind self-injurious behaviour.
- Recognise risk factors, warning signs, and behavioural indicators of NSSI.
- Understand how to respond safely and supportively to young people who self-injure.
- Apply communication strategies that promote trust, safety, and engagement.
- Identify appropriate referral pathways and safeguarding procedures.
- Support recovery-oriented, multidisciplinary approaches to care.
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Learning Outcomes
What you'll learn
- Understand the concept and definition of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).
- Recognise the prevalence and demographic patterns of NSSI in young people.
- Identify psychological, emotional, and social reasons behind self-injurious behaviour.
- Recognise risk factors, warning signs, and behavioural indicators of NSSI.
- Understand how to respond safely and supportively to young people who self-injure.
- Apply communication strategies that promote trust, safety, and engagement.
- Identify appropriate referral pathways and safeguarding procedures.
- Support recovery-oriented, multidisciplinary approaches to care.
Stay updated with our


Training Overview
- Understanding Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI)
- Prevalence and Risk in Young People
- Why Non-Suicidal Self Injury Occurs
- Recognising Signs and Behavioural Indicators
- Supporting Young People Who Self-Injure
- Referral, Safeguarding, and Multidisciplinary Care
- Summary
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Frequently asked questions
NSSI is the intentional harm to one’s own body without the intention of dying, often used as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
No. NSSI is not intended to cause death, although it may increase long-term suicide risk.
Common reasons include emotional regulation, coping with distress, self-punishment, or expressing difficult emotions.
Signs include unexplained injuries, covering skin, mood changes, withdrawal, and behavioural changes.
With calm, non-judgemental listening, emotional validation, and supportive communication.
Referral is needed when risk is high, behaviour is frequent, or there are concerns about safety or mental health deterioration.
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