Self-harm figures down in Cork
Two Cork hospitals saw an increase in self-harm presentations last year despite overall numbers falling both in Cork and nationally.
Both CUH (7%) and Bantry General Hospital (5%) saw an increase in individuals presenting with self-harm in 2025 compared to 2024.
This was in stark contrast to MUH Cork which recorded a decrease of more than 20% in the same period, the biggest percentage decrease of any hospital in the country.
Overall, there were 1,592 self-harm presentations to hospitals in Cork in 2025, down from 1,718 in 2024, a 7.3% decrease.
Nationally, there was a total of 12,340 self-harm presentations made by 9,329 individuals during 2025. This is 3% lower than the rate in 2024, and 21% lower than the peak rate recorded in 2010.
The figures were revealed by the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland, operated by the Cork-based National Suicide Research Foundation, in its annual report for 2025.
Consistent with previous years, the report found that intentional drug overdose was the most common method of self-harm, involved in almost three in five (59%) self-harm presentations nationally in 2025.
The next most common was self-cutting (31%), followed by alcohol (30%), attempted hanging (8%), attempted drowning (3%), and self-poisoning (2%).
Though the report’s findings represent a generally positive trend, one of the more concerning figures showed that nationally, similar to in previous years, 13% of individuals left hospital before a recommendation could be made for their ongoing care and only 10% of this group had received a mental health assessment.
Commenting on the latest figures, Dr Paul Corcoran, head of research, National Suicide Research Foundation, warned that those who leave early are at higher risk of repeat presenting with self-harm.
He said: “Addressing this issue may require a focus on the emergency department setting itself in addition to ensuring the availability of specialist staff.”
The report also found that the female rate of hospital-presenting self-harm continues to be highest among 15-19 year olds. However, the rate has fallen in recent years to approximately 600 per 100,000 from a peak of almost 900 per 100,000 in 2021. The peak rate for men in 2025 was almost identical at 323 per 100,000 for 20-24 year olds and 322 per 100,000 for 25-29 year olds. Across the wider age range of 15-29 year olds, there has been a significant decrease in the male rate of hospital-presenting self-harm since 2018/2019.
Dr Mary Joyce, manager of the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland, said the decrease in hospital-presenting self-harm rates in 2025 follow reassuring.
She said: “The highest self-harm rate continues to be among adolescent girls aged 15-19 years. While the rate has fallen in recent years to approximately 600 per 100,000 from a peak of almost 900 per 100,000 in 2021, self-harm rates continue to be highest among younger age groups. These findings highlight the need to continue to prioritise mental health supports and the provision of evidence-based interventions for young people.”
For more information and to view the full report, visit nsrf.ie.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or a mental health crisis, support is available 24/7 via services including TextAboutit: Text HELLO to 50808; Samaritans: free phone 116123 or email jo@samaritans.ie; and Childline: free phone 1800-666666.