University of Glasgow Joins Forces with Lancet Commission to Address Self-harm

The University of Glasgow has contributed to the new Lancet Commission on self-harm, which has found that self-harm remains neglected worldwide, with at least 14 million episodes yearly.

The commission – contributed to and co-led by the University’s Prof Rory O’Connor – urges policy action on societal drivers and health services’ response, and suggests the actual number of annual self-harm events is unknown and likely underestimated.

The Commission highlights that at least 14 million episodes of self-harm occur each year, with the greatest burden felt in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and higher incidence among young people. This figure is likely an underestimate as people who self-harm often do not present to health services, there are few routine surveillance systems, and self-harm with suicidal intent is still a criminal offense in some countries.

Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves on purpose, regardless of the reasons for doing this. Often, shame and stigma stop people from seeking help. Self-harming behaviour increases the risk of death by suicide, and it is a common cause of disability in young people.

Currently, people attending health services only represent the tip of the iceberg, say researchers; with the proportion of teenagers self-harming increasing over the past 20 years—this is particularly so for young women and girls. The commission states that attitudes lacking empathy, including in healthcare settings, can compound stigma and keep people from seeking help, and that drivers of self-harm have been neglected by governments.

Professor Rory O’Connor, co-author, University of Glasgow: “Self-harm affects millions of people globally, yet sadly it remains stigmatised and neglected. For too long, people who self-harm have not received the compassionate and tailored support that they deserve.  If we act now, it is possible to achieve a substantial and meaningful impact on the lives of people who self-harm.”

“It is vital that people with lived and living experience of self-harm are involved in the design, delivery, leadership, and evaluation of the care and support that they need.”