New Lancet Commission on Self-harm

Self-harm remains neglected world-wide, with at least 14 million episodes yearly. A new Lancet Commission published today urges policy action on societal drivers and health services' response to this pressing issue. 

Self-harm is not a psychiatric diagnosis; it is a behaviour shaped by society, culture, and individual factors. The social determinants of health, particularly poverty, heavily influence the distribution of self-harm within communities.

The new report highlights that at least 14 million episodes of self-harm occur each year, with the greatest burden felt in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and a higher incidence among young people.

However, the authors point out that this figure is likely an underestimate because people who self-harm often do not present to health services, there are few routine surveillance systems, and self-harm with suicidal intent is still a criminal offence in some countries. Attitudes lacking empathy, including in healthcare settings, can compound stigma and keep people from seeking help. 

The Commission calls on governments to recognise the global impact of self-harm and the need to develop culturally appropriate policy and care interventions, co-produced by communities and people with lived experience. It also urges mainstream and social media outlets to share information about self-harm responsibly and sympathetically. 

IMH researcher Veronica Heney was part of the Commission’s Lived Experience Pillar led by Amy Chandler. This group of people with lived experience, who had expertise across research, practice, and advocacy, joined together to co-author sections of the report and to provide specific insight into lived experience perspectives and priorities.

Veronica says:

It was a real privilege to be part of the group, and to learn from my co-authors. I’m particularly pleased that the Commission recognises the importance of validation and choice in care provision for those who self-harm, and that it mentions the value of user-led organisations and peer support, with an appendix describing some of my work with colleagues as part of Make Space. It also is particularly important to me that the report highlights the ongoing punitive responses to self-harm from clinical staff, and notes that even in the UK where self-harm is ostensibly decriminalised, people can still face criminal justice consequences which can be incredibly harmful. I hope that the Commission is able to play a meaningful role in improving standards of practice in care and research around self-harm, and that governments and policymakers will take the 12 key recommendations on board.

Find out more

Read the Lancet Commission on self-harm
Find out more about Veronica Heney
Find out more about the Narrative Practices Lab

Looking for support?

More information and support is available. Please see the following organisations:

Samaritans – 24/7 listening support
Self-injury Support – a UK-wide charity offering reliable information and support around self-injury
Papyrus – a UK charity for the prevention of young suicide
Makespace – a user-led collective that creates spaces for more generous, nuanced and caring ways to support those with experience of self-harm