GPs recognise that self-harm is a serious risk factor for suicide but many feel ill-equipped to help patients manage their behaviour, it has emerged.

A study has found that GPs do not feel equipped to manage people who self-harm.

A month after Instagram promised to remove graphic images of self-harm from its platform, Sky News has found numerous disturbing videos and pictures on the social media website.

There was a 21% increase in the number of self-harm cases among 10 to 24-year-olds between 2007 and 2017.

A total of nine deaths were recorded on Irish railways last year — the highest level in more than a decade.

The rate of self-harming among children and young people soared 22% over a 10-year period to the end of 2016.

There has been a 10% increase in the number of people presenting to hospitals due to self-harm in the last 10 years.

Public holidays are the busiest times for self-harm emergencies, with St Patrick’s Day the worst of all, according to the first study of its type in Ireland.

Children in Ireland are smoking less, drinking less, and communicating with their parents more, according to the latest State of the Nation’s Children report.

New figures show an alarming rise in the rates of adolescent self-harm

The number of Irish men self-harming has jumped by 15% in the last 10 years with the rates particularly high among young people.

In a desperate attempt to cope with emotional distress, some teens resort to self-harming. A calm, compassionate response is needed, an experienced psychotherapist tells Marjorie Brennan.