Sharp rise reported in self-harm incidents in North

The number of self-harm incidents among young people in Northern Ireland has risen sharply.

The Parents Advice Centre, which has 100 highly trained volunteers operating phonelines and offering counselling in Belfast, Dungannon, Ballymena and Derry, revealed it has received reports of more than 100 young people deliberately harming themselves, with girls three times more likely to do it than boys.

In Belfast, the number of calls to its counselling service between January and May was double the figures for last year.

Parents Advice Centre chief executive Pip Jaffa said ahead of today’s annual general meeting in Belfast that while the rise in numbers was alarming, it also showed people were seeking help.

“This is a problem experienced by families form all kinds of backgrounds and there can be different triggers for different people,” she said.

“Deliberate self-harm is linked to trauma or distress and is recognised as a high risk factor in suicide cases.

“Most often the person is in turmoil and without help. There is an emotional overload where he or she cannot deal with the problem in question.

“We advise anyone who sees signs of self harm to treat it seriously and seek the right support. As an organisation we provide frontline support for parents, helping them to understand and deal with this very complex issue.”

The most common forms of self-harm are inflicting wounds, eating disorders such as starving or bingeing, attempted poisoning or overdoses.

These were often prompted by relationship problems, drug or alcohol abuse or pressure in school.

The most common reason given to advice centres are linked to separation or divorce.

“With one in three couple’s relationships breaking down there are now many more reconstituted families in society where mothers and fathers separate, find new partners, take on stepchildren or have a new baby,” Ms Jaffa said.

“Often if a couple have their own financial and emotional pressures to deal with a child’s needs can be left behind.

“A change in routine – whether of schools, home or friends – can and does affect children.

“Behaviour changes in a child can indicate that they are not as settled as they could be. Parents should look out for this and give their children the opportunity to talk about what is on their minds.”