Charless elder son became depressed and started self-harming aged 16. He is being treated by CAMHS and private psychologists. Charles finds his mood swings very worrying and difficult to deal with.

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.