Major rise in non-suicidal self harm in England, study shows

The prevalence of non-suicidal self harm in England nearly tripled over the past 10 years, but this was not matched by a rise in the use of health or other support services by patients who self harm, the first analysis of repeated cross-sectional surveys in the country has found.

“Non-suicidal self harm is increasingly being reported as a way of coping. We need to help people, especially young people, learn more appropriate and effective ways of dealing with emotional stress,” said lead author Sally McManus, from the National Centre for Social Research in London, UK.

She warned, “The availability of services needs to be improved, especially for young people, so that health, education, and social care professionals can discuss the subject with …