Thoughts of self-harm

  • Thoughts of self-harm are common. Community surveys show that approximately 1 in 4 young people will have thoughts of self-harm over the course of a year.
  • Of those who report thoughts of self-harm LESS THAN HALF will act on them and go on to harm themselves.
  • Suicidal ideation where the young person expresses a GENUINE desire to die is rare.
  • Thoughts of hopelessness such as “I wish I was dead” are common. It is therefore important to explore the meaning behind the words the young person says.

Last updated: 15 August, 2016