Isobel's younger daughter took the first of three overdoses when she was 15, but has not repeated this for nearly a year. Isobel says she is more mature now and able to talk about how she feels.

Erica's younger daughter took a serious overdose when she was 14 and spent time in a psychiatric hospital. Erica says never, ever give up on your children'.

Philip thinks his son started cutting himself when he was about 20. He lives at home with his parents and has had several years contact with mental health services. Philip describes the difficulties of the situation and advises other parents not to give up.

Susan's younger daughter cut herself in her early teens. She now lives in Australia, where she has been depressed, has overdosed, and was recently diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Susan is anxious about her, but hopes her therapist will help her develop better coping strategies.

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Ruth's eldest daughter began cutting herself during a long period of absence from school between the ages of 12 and 13. She no longer hides her cutting, which Ruth describes as horrifying.'

Jane's daughter began cutting herself at the age of 15, while she was having treatment for an eating disorder. She hasn't cut for the last 4 years.

Sarah is 42, a teacher with three daughters. Her eldest daughter, who has learning difficulties, has taken two overdoses and has been referred to a psychiatrist. Sarah hopes this will help her understand her daughter's behaviour.

Wendy's daughter developed an eating disorder aged 15 and started cutting herself. She has also taken overdoses and spent time in psychiatric hospital. Despite the shock of a recent overdose, Wendy believes that her daughter is beginning to turn her life around.

Pat's daughter was bullied at school when she was 14. She started scratching her arms and later took an overdose. Pat describes coping as a single father. Clinical services have been helpful, but he would like the school to deal with the bullies.