Self-harm in Northern Ireland

Samaritans defines self harm as 'any deliberate act of self-poisoning or self-injury carried out without suicidal intent.'

In October 2020, Samaritans Ireland released a report titled Self-Harm and Support Seeking in the RoI and NI, which provided insight into the experiences of individuals who have self-harmed.

That report highlighted the issue of stigma and the negative impact it had on participants’ willingness to seek help. Participants expressed feeling judged and criticised, which discouraged them from seeking further assistance. They also noted that their initial experiences seeking help were often negative, reinforcing feelings of shame and reluctance to seek support.

We then came up with an ambitious plan to complete an extensive literature review covering both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In March 2023, we launched our report, An Open Secret: Self-Harm and Stigma in Ireland and Northern Ireland and invited a mental health ambassador and researchers to present and take part in a panel discussion/Q&A. This report used a multi-focal approach with insights from those with lived experience of self-harm, family, friends and carers of those who self-harm, professionals who work with those who self-harm, and the general public.

Key Findings from An open Secret: Self-Harm & Stigma in Northern Ireland

The age at which participants first started to self-harm varied widely, with some self-harming as young as four and others not starting until they were 50.

Over 50% agreed visible signs of Self-Harm would inpact their willingness to enter a new relationship

45% felt they would be judged or stigmatised by their GP or other healthcare providers.

Nearly 90% of those with lived experience reported sometimes, often, or always thinking that others will have a lower opinion of them if it is known that they self-harm.

A summary document outlining Northern Ireland's key findings and recommendations can be found at:

You can also access the full report at:

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