More Than 10 Pct of Irish 16-Year-Olds Have Contemplated Self-Harm

New research reveals that more than 10 percent of 16-year-olds have thought about harming themselves.

The latest study from Queen's University and the University of Ulster revealed that one in 10 teens surveyed reported to have considered self-harm or taking an overdose.

The latest findings also revealed that nearly a third of 16-year-olds questioned had experienced severe personal, emotional or mental health problems during the past year.

Researchers said the latest study, which involved 1,367 16-year-olds across Northern Ireland who participated in the 2013 survey undertaken by ARK, a joint initiative by Queen's University and the University of Ulster, provides insight into the lives of 16-year-olds across Northern Ireland.

Some of the key findings of the survey revealed that 28 percent of teens in the study said that they had gone through serious personal, emotional or mental health issues at some point in the past years. However, only a third of participants said they tried to get professional help.

The study also revealed that 13 percent of participants reported that they have thought about taking an overdose or hurting themselves. Furthermore, 6 percent of respondents had thought about this in the past month.

The findings indicate that 13 percent of participants had self-harmed, with 5 percent doing it once and 8 percent doing it more than once. The most popular reason for self-harm was that participants "wanted to punish themselves."

Researchers noted that a 2008 study revealed that 26 percent of 16-year-olds had experienced serious mental health problems, 13 percent of had contemplated self-harm, and 10 percent had actually hurt themselves

"These findings from the YLT survey show that despite the investment in mental health services in Northern Ireland, compared to five years ago, there has been virtually no change with regard to young people's experiences of stress and mental health problems. It is particularly significant to note that still only a small minority of 16-year-olds seek professional help when experiencing serious emotional health problems," researcher Dr. Dirk Schubotz from the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work at Queen's University and Young Life and Times Director, said in a news release.

"Although mental health campaigns have for some time attempted to de-stigmatize mental ill-health, by far the most likely reason why young people self-harm remains self-punishment. This suggests that young people with mental health problems keep blaming themselves for these, rather than appreciating external stressors such as pressures arising from school work or financial difficulties," he added.

"The 2013 YLT survey shows that around four in ten families with teenage children find it difficult to make ends meet. The data from the KLT and YLT surveys clearly identify the financial pressures upon families and will be an important tool for government, in particular to monitor progress related to its Child Poverty Strategy which aims for a sustained reduction in poverty," Dr. Paula Devine, author of the ARK Research Update on Financial Wellbeing, added in a statement.

The findings were published May 16 during Mental Health Awareness Week.

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