Rethink’s response to hospital admissions for intentional self harm
“This alarming increase in admissions for self harm is likely to be due in part to increased financial insecurity and other worries associated with the economic crisis. Many people are reporting heightened levels of distress in response to cuts to welfare benefits, for example. Self-harm is most common in young people, who may also be suffering disproportionately from the effects of the economic downturn.
“People with severe mental illness are at much greater risk of self-harm than the rest of the population and the suicide rate for people with schizophrenia is 20-50 times greater. Nearly half a million people in the UK are affected by schizophrenia.
“Self-harm isn’t inevitable – many cases could be prevented if people had access to support from appropriate services, especially psychological therapies, whether for help with abuse, drugs, mental health or other factors. If we’re to avoid another 10% rise in admissions over the next three years, it’s essential that we protect these vital services and make sure that they are available to people who need them wherever they are”.
For more information, contact the Rethink media team on 020 7840 3146
Amy Edmunds
Senior Media Officer
Rethink
Tel: 020 7840 3146
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