Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for care after intentionally hurting themselves. This is called "self-harm." Your child is probably feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed. They might be using physical pain to distract them from their feelings or as a way to manage their feelings.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED.
●Make an appointment for your child with a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist. They can work with your child to better understand their feelings and behavior and develop healthy ways to cope with stress.
●Care for your child's wound or wounds as instructed. For example:
•Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours. After that, gently wash it with soap and water or have your child take a shower.
•Everyone should wash their hands before and after touching the wound or bandage.
•If the wound was left open, apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound 1 to 2 times each day. Then, you can cover it with a bandage or leave it open. Do not use ointment if the wound was closed with skin glue.
•If your child has non-dissolving stitches or staples, make sure you have a plan to get these removed.
●Use your child's safety plan. This includes finding safe ways to help your child cope with stress and difficult situations. For example, it can help to:
•Be aware of what causes your child stress.
•Avoid situations that might make your child want to harm themselves.
•Distract your child by reading, having them write in a journal, listening to music, or doing a fun activity with a friend.
•Encourage your child to get physical activity. Even gentle activities like playing or walking are good for your child.
•Help your child use relaxation techniques to calm down.
•Encourage your child to talk to an adult they trust.
•Keep their environment safe by getting rid of things they might use to hurt themselves.
•If there is a gun in the house, store it safely. It should be unloaded and locked in a secure place such as a gun safe or lock box.
•Have a specific plan to call for help if you need it.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your child has bleeding that does not stop after holding pressure on the area for 10 minutes.
•You think your child might harm themselves again or harm someone else. In the US, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
-To speak to someone, call or text 988.
-To talk to someone online, go to chat.988lifeline.org.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●Your child's wound hurts more, is not healing, or is draining thick, yellow, or green fluid.
●You think your child cannot be alone.
●Your child has new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Coping with worry and stress (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping in times of crisis (The Basics)
Patient education: Anxiety in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Depression in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Suicide prevention (The Basics)
