Self-Harm and Suicide: An Overview

Chapter 1 provides an overview of key data around self-harm and suicide, noting that there are more people who self-harm than are recorded in official statistics, and that this may be due to the stigma that exists around these actions. Social and cultural considerations around self-harm in particular are explored, with a critical comparison being undertaken between non-suicidal self-injury and potentially harmful changes brought about through body modification, eating disorders, and some approaches to managing stress, which are considered to be more socially acceptable. The chapter ends with ideas for enhancing compassionate practice in healthcare, together with some more systemic changes that are needed to improve support for service users and patients, together with improved support and training for healthcare practitioners.