Rise in self-harm linked to recession and alcohol abuse

THERE was a striking increase in the number of young adults engaging in self-harm last year, with the recession and alcohol consumption largely being blamed.

The 2010 annual report of the national registry of deliberate self-harm shows a 19% increase in self-harm by men aged 20 to 24 and a 30% increase for women in the same age group.

The registry, launched yesterday by the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, Kathleen Lynch, says the recession is likely to have played a crucial role in the increase in self-harm.