Samaritans: Self-harm stigma could be preventing sufferers from seeking help
A total of 769 adults from across the island of Ireland, including 208 from NI, took part in the research
A first of its kind report from a leading suicide prevention chairty has revealed children as young as four start to self-harm.
The Samaritan's study, An Open Secret: Self-Harm and Stigma in Ireland and Northern Ireland, aims to highlight that stigma has the power to silence, shame, and push those who struggle with self-harm into secrecy.
It revealed that people started to self-harm as young as four-years-old or as late as in their 50s; with 16 years of age being the norm.
It also showed behaviours can last less than a year or a lifetime with the average duration being 13 years.
A total of 769 adults from across the island of Ireland, 208 from NI, took part in the research, with input from people with lived experience, their loved ones or caregivers, healthcare professionals, and members of the public with no connection to the issue.
It revealed people would remove themselves from everyday scenarios to avoid someone who self-harmed - for example car sharing, new relationships, employment - and how people who self-harm believed others had a lower opinion of them, including healthcare professionals.
Key findings included:
• While 77% of all participants would be willing to ‘help’ someone who self-harmed, 64% would not carpool and 56% would not rent an apartment to them.
• Some reported self-harming from as young as four-years-old, and others not starting until they were 50.
• The majority of those who self-harmed reported their self-harming behaviours lasted an average of 13 years, while others struggled with it for a lifetime.
• Family, friends, and caregivers felt most impacted by their own thoughts and emotions related to someone who self-harms.
• The portrayal of self-harm in the media, film and TV significantly impacts society’s perception of the issue.
• Professionals believe they provide warm and understanding care to patients, despite some individuals expressing the oppositive view.
• Almost 90% of those who self-harm think others will have a lower opinion of them.
The survey also highlighted how judgements based on incomplete or incorrect information cause shaming, silencing, even harassment for anyone already struggling. Individuals are pushed into secrecy, afraid to live full lives or seek support, with fear preventing good intentions from becoming actions.
In the study, 75% would feel comfortable if a close friend or family member confided self-harming, yet 40% admitted knowing or seeing visible signs would affect their view of a person.
Around 50% would enter a new relationship or hire someone. However, 64% would not rent out an apartment.
Dr. Lauren Harper, one of three researchers of the report said: “Through this piece of research we have amplified the voices of those we truly need to start listening to if we are to move forward with more timely, appropriate and compassionate care. Despite the challenges this may pose, this study has highlighted the importance of increasing society’s awareness and understanding of self-harm and of the role that societal attitudes and beliefs play in contributing to stigma and discrimination.
“We hope that by drawing attention to these issues we can begin to create more positive help-seeking experiences for those who self-harm, as well as more opportunities for supporting those in a caring role, whether that be in a personal or a professional capacity.”
Speaking about Samaritans recommendations in the report, Ellen Finlay, Policy, and Development Manager for Samaritans in Northern Ireland said: “We want to address causes of self-harm through prioritising and funding and foster a positive educational environment with resources and training for schools and universities.
Ellen added: “Training healthcare professionals, the media, educators, and community workers are key along with collecting timely accurate data to inform decisions and improve cross-departmental co-operation.
“Above all we want to prioritise the voices of people like Barbara, carers, family and friends, to create more effective support.”
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