Tam was born in the USA but now lives in the UK with her second husband and their son. Her 14 year old daughter started cutting herself while living with her father in the US, but came to live with Tam 4 months ago. Tam is going to access self-harm services through her GP.

Mary's son has been self-harming (minor cuts and scratches) for several years. The cutting became worse after he started university, and he now lives at home. He still cuts himself intermittently and threatens suicide. Mary accepts the cutting as something he needs to do

Annette's son started self-harming when he was 17. He used various methods, including cutting, overdoses, electrocution and hanging, and has threatened to jump from high places. Annette never gave up supporting him; he is now much happier and no longer harms himself.