25 self-harm cases per day recorded at Ulster hospitals

Expert fears stats ‘tip of the iceberg’

AROUND 25 cases of self-harm are recorded on average at A&E every day, statistics revealed yesterday

Northern Ireland’s mental health champion said the Public Health Agency figures represent the “tip of a huge iceberg”.

Professor Siobhan O’neill added: “People who self-harm and those who attempt suicide need to be treated with compassion and timely, evidence-based interventions.

“All too often this is not the case. Self-harm is a way of coping with overwhelming pressure and pain, and is, for some, a way of staying alive.

“However, it increases the risk of death by suicide and it is vital that services are equipped to meet the needs of these very vulnerable individuals.”

The Belfast Trust area had the most cases with 12,677, followed by the Western Trust at 9,209. The Northern Trust recorded 9,207 incidences, at the Southern Trust it was at 7,920 and the South Eastern Trust at 6,155 cases.

Independent MLA Claire Sugden, who received the figures in response to a written Assembly question, said: “I think it’s indicative of the wider issues that frankly only an Executive can fix.” Health Minister Robin Swann last year launched a new 10-year mental health strategy for Northern Ireland.

Prof O’neill, who said the strategy is currently being implemented, added: “I continue to call on our leaders to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health services and work to deliver the early intervention and prevention actions that will reduce the toll of suffering.”

Tom Mceneaney from Aware, a charity which supports people with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, said: “This scale of self-harm is of great concern and reflects the high rates of mental ill-health here in Northern Ireland.”

He urged Stormont leaders to put mental health “at the top of their agenda” by giving the 10-year strategy “the full funding it needs to be implemented”. Mr Mceneaney added: “We would urge anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression to reach out and talk to someone about it. Whether it’s your GP, a friend or family member. “You can call Aware for advice or come along to one of our support groups.”