The prevalence of self-harm among young people in Ireland must be openly discussed and urgently addressed, according to the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF). Louise Geaney reports.
Over the last 18 months the Cork-based group carried out a lifestyle and coping survey among nearly 4,000 adolescents in the Southern Health Board region, the findings of which are due to be published on October 21st.
"The rationale for the survey was based on the fact that there is a lack of information available on the extent of deliberate self-harm among young people. The survey asked questions about lifestyle, problems, coping, deliberate self-harm, drug and alcohol use, depression, anxiety and self-esteem," a spokeswoman for the NSRF, Ms Carolyn Sullivan, said yesterday.
Ms Sullivan said it was known from the suicide foundation's national parasuicide registry that teenage girls aged 15 to 19 years have the highest rate of deliberate self-harm.
"But this only looks at the people who present at hospital A & E departments for treatment. So we don't have a complete picture of those who are harming themselves but not seeking medical intervention."
Adolescence is a challenging time with a lot of changes, both physical and emotional. It is also a time of greater independence and this means that young people may be more reluctant to seek help for problems that they experience, Ms Sullivan explained.
She added that there is a need for more youth-friendly environments where information is made available to the younger generation.
The study, which will be launched as part of a national symposium, also examines issues associated with deliberate self-harm including depression and psycho-social factors.
The symposium will also initiate discussion and workshops around the area of mental health for young people.
The National Symposium on Young People's Mental Health will be held on October 21st, at Jury's Hotel in Cork.
Meanwhile, a North Cork voluntary committee will embark on a trek of the Galtee Mountains next Saturday, September 11th, to raise funds for the NSRF.