Why is Self Harm Rising and What Are We Still Getting Wrong?

Unpacking Myths, Realities, and How We Can Truly Help

Self-harm is on the rise, and the statistics are sobering. In the UK, hospital admissions for self-injury among teenage girls have quadrupled

since 2010, according to NHS Digital.

Despite greater public awareness around mental health, we’re seeing the age of onset get younger and the severity more acute. As Dr. Caroline

Johnson, consultant psychiatrist at Young Minds, notes:

“Early intervention and non-judgmental support are

key to reducing self-harm among young people.”

This raises a crucial question: Why, in a world more open than ever about mental

health, is self-harm still climbing? And what are we missing in our approach to

supporting those at risk?

It’s Not About Attention — It’s About Escape

A damaging and highly prevalent myth persists, that self-harm is a plea for attention.

Most people who self-injure go to great lengths to conceal it. Self-harm is often a coping

mechanism, a way to manage overwhelming emotions, numbness, or pain that feels

unbearable.

A young person in my care said of this exact myth;

“I got teased for being an attention seeker, like that made it less serious. But all it

did was made me feel more embarrassed, then I didn't ask for help. I started hiding

everything and it got worse until I had to go to A&E, my mum was so shocked, and the

teachers had no idea”

According to the Mental Health Foundation, common motivations include trauma,

emotional regulation challenges, or a desperate need for control amidst chaos.

Recent research published in The Lancet (2024) found that nearly 20% of adolescents

in the UK reported self-harming at least once, highlighting the urgent need for

comprehensive early support systems.

The Real Cost of Silence...

Many young people are growing up without the emotional vocabulary or safe space to

say, “I’m not okay.” When feelings have nowhere to go — no outlet, no language —

they turn inward. For some, that means withdrawal; for others, it means self-injury.

Support systems like CAMHS are under extreme strain: referrals have increased, but so

have waiting times, leaving youth without help until crisis point As Dr. Johnson from

YoungMinds emphasises, “Accessible, non-judgmental, and timely support is essential

to prevent escalation.”

Transforming Our Approach: Curiosity and Compassion

Instead of asking “Why did they do that?” we should ask, “What pain are they trying to

manage?” Instead of assuming it’s a phase or a cry for attention, consider: “How safe do they feel in their body, their home, their school, their mind?”

The shift, from punishment and panic to curiosity and compassion, is where the real change begins

Support doesn’t always mean therapy in a clinic. Sometimes it’s a youth worker, a mentor, or a mental health nurse trained in trauma. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and there shouldn’t be.

There Is Hope — But It Starts with Us...

If you’ve never self-harmed, it may be difficult to understand. But you don’t need to share the same experience to make a difference.

Here’s what I think helps;

• Open conversation. Ask, don’t assume. Listen without flinching or judgment.

• Diverse supports. Not everyone is ready for therapy — creative outlets, trusted

adults, or trained peers can be lifelines.

• Reduce shame. Healing starts when people feel safe and accepted.

We can’t prevent all pain, but we can ensure no one has to navigate it alone or in

silence.

How You Can Help?

If you’re concerned about someone, reach out with empathy. Encourage them to seek

support and let them know you’re there without judgment. Share resources such as

helplines, mental health charities, or community organizations like Samaritans or

YoungMinds.

For those in education, healthcare, or community roles, advocate for training in trauma-

informed care and promote accessible mental health resources. Small interventions like

a supportive conversation or connecting someone with help can have a life-changing

impact.

Final Thought...

Self-harm is not about drama — it’s about distress.

The rise in self-injury is a signal of unmet needs and unheard pain. By changing the

conversation and offering practical, compassionate support, we can create a safer world

for those who are struggling.

Have you encountered these challenges in your community or work? What approaches

have you found most helpful? Let’s talk — drop a comment below.

Written by Ruth Jacobs

Rest to Reset Limited

CEO, RMN, BSc