As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, today we confront some of the more disturbing statistics around young people and self-harm, numbers that highlight the urgent need for compassionate action and greater awareness.
Recent figures reveal that 35% of young people have encountered suicide or self-harm content online. Even more shockingly, one in five young people report having self-harmed. These are not just numbers, they represent real individuals, many of whom are struggling to cope with overwhelming emotions, unresolved trauma, or mental health challenges that remain largely unseen.
Self-harm is, for many, a way to deal with unbearable feelings, a physical expression of mental pain. It can be an attempt to make the invisible distress visible, to feel something when everything feels numb, or to regain a sense of control when life feels out of it. But this is not, and must never become, an acceptable reality in our society.
We all have a role to play in challenging this crisis. Being present, checking in with friends and loved ones, and listening without judgment can go a long way. Yet it’s also important to remember that supporting someone who is self-harming requires sensitivity and care. A high-handed or overly directive response can do more harm than good.
Thankfully, there are excellent resources available. MIND and the Mental Health Foundation both offer practical, compassionate guidance on how to support someone who is self-harming, from how to start the conversation, to understanding the underlying reasons, to helping them find professional support.
We encourage everyone to take time this week to read and share those resources. Mental Health Awareness Week is not just about raising awareness, it’s about building communities where people feel seen, supported, and safe enough to ask for help.
Let’s make sure that no one has to suffer in silence.
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