Rates of self-harm did not increase between 2020 and 2021 contrary to pandemic fears

The report from the National Self-Harm Registry of Ireland found there was “ a slight increase” in the proportion of people coming to hospitals on repeat visits due to self-harm during 2021. File photo

Rates of self-harm did not increase between 2020 and 2021, new data shows contrary to fears early in the pandemic, but analysts called for more services to support people who repeatedly self-harm.

National Self-Harm Registry of Ireland manager, Dr Mary Joyce, said their finding of no increase in rates over the first two years of the pandemic is “reassuring”.