Jonathan Pimm

Oct 9, 2024 | thelancet.com | Jonathan Pimm |Mark Salter |Udani Samarasekera |Niall Boyce

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; the proportion of teenagers self-harming has increased over the past 20 years—this is particularly so for young women and girls.