Shining a light on the continuing problem of self-harm

While awareness of self-harm has risen over the last number of years, reducing rates and providing appropriate responses remains a challenge, writes Paul Gilligan

The stigma surrounding self-harm has not gone away. Fear and anxiety tend to dominate most people’s reactions and these emotions combined often result in angry, intolerant responses. Misunderstanding and misinformation still exist at every level of society, including among health and mental health professionals. While awareness has increased over the last number of years, reducing rates and providing appropriate responses still remain a challenge