Self-harm rates among women in 2024 lowest on record

Last year was the lowest on record for instances of women reporting to emergency departments following instances of self-harm, a new report has shown.

There was a 7% decrease in presentations compared to 2023, with peak rates being among girls aged 15-19.

The data was released as part of a broader annual report by the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland (NSHRI), which is operated by the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF).

Male rates also decreased by 2% compared to 2023, with peak rates found in the 25-29 year old group.

According to the data, the national rate of presentations was 181 per 100,000 people, a 5% reduction compared to 2023. This is also 19% lower than the peak rate that the Registry recorded in 2010, which was exacerbated by the financial crash.

Dr Mary Joyce, Manager of the NSHRI said the findings were reassuring, as there had been speculation rates would increase during and after the pandemic.

She also said the fact that the highest rates being found among teenage girls “highlight the need to continue to prioritise mental health supports and targeted interventions for young people and their parents”.

Dr Shane McInerney, a consultant adult psychiatrist said an emphasis moving forward should be an improvement of service provision during the peak times of presentation.

“We see the highest rates of presentation between 6pm-2am, 44% of all cases, and the level of service provision at those times just isn’t there. While there’s a high level of service delivery at those times, the numbers simply aren’t there,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance peer-support can have for those presenting to emergency departments.

“It is most beneficial if the individual has a family member or another person for support with them while they wait for an assessment. It’s also crucial that healthcare workers try to collect collateral information so that we know what issues they are struggling with,” he said.