Self-harm and mental health in family proceedings — getting support and being heard

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

The reality

Family court proceedings are one of the most stressful things a person can go through. Mental health struggles — anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts — are common and understandable. Getting help is not weakness. It is also evidence of good parenting, not bad.

Getting help now

| Service | Contact | When | |---------|---------|------| | Samaritans | 116 123 (free, 24/7) | If you're in distress or despair | | SHOUT | Text 85258 | Crisis text line, 24/7 | | Mind | 0300 123 3393 | Mental health advice and support | | NHS 111 | 111 (option 2) | Urgent mental health support | | Your GP | Book an appointment | Long-term support and referrals | | Papyrus | 0800 068 4141 | For under-35s: suicide prevention |

If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself: call 999 or go to A&E.

How mental health affects family proceedings

As a parent in proceedings

The court will want to know that you can meet your child's needs
Getting help (counselling, medication, therapy) shows insight and responsibility
Refusing help while struggling looks worse than admitting you need support
Mental health evidence (GP records, treatment plans, recovery progress) is relevant to the welfare checklist — see our welfare checklist guide
A mental health diagnosis does not mean you can't parent — but unmanaged, untreated illness can be a concern

As a survivor of domestic abuse

Mental health struggles (PTSD, anxiety, depression) are common consequences of abuse
They are evidence of the abuse's impact — not a reason to dismiss your allegations
Ask for an adjustment at court (see our special measures guide) — extra time, breaks, remote attendance
The court must accommodate your mental health needs to give you a fair hearing

Telling the court about mental health

Be honest in your Form E or position statement about any mental health treatment
Frame it as: "I have sought help and am actively managing my mental health with [GP/ counsellor/medication]. This shows insight and responsibility."
Ask your GP or therapist for a supporting letter if it's relevant
Do not hide a mental health condition — the other side may raise it, and it looks better if you disclosed it first

For the children

Children are affected by parental conflict and separation — this is normal
Childline 0800 1111 — confidential support for under-19s
YoungMinds — text YM to 85258 for crisis support
CAMHS — NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (referral via GP or school)
See our supporting-children guide for age-by-age advice

Official links

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org
NHS mental health: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Papyrus: https://www.papyrus-uk.org

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with Mind, Samaritans, the NHS or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.