Self-harm: one in 100 Australians may self-injure
5 November 2010
As many as one in every 100 Australians may self-injure, according to the findings of a national survey (Med J Aust 2010; 193: 506-10).
Researchers from the University of Queensland interviewed a random sample of 12,006 people, aged between 10 and 100 years, finding 1.1 per cent self-injured at least once in the 4 weeks before the interview. Of these, 41 per cent reported cutting, while 40 per cent had scratching injuries.
The average age when self-injury began was 17 years, while the oldest age was 44 years for men and 60 for women.
Those who self-injured were also more than 11 times more likely to think about suicide and almost nine times more likely to have attempted suicide.
| National Helplines | |
|---|---|
| If you or someone you know is depressed and/or having suicidal thoughts, see your doctor, or phone one of these helplines. | |
| Lifeline (24 hours) | 13 11 14 |
| Kids Helpline (under 18 years of age) | 1800 55 1800 |
| Just Ask - rural mental health information | 1300 13 11 14 |
| Mensline Australia (24 hours) | 1300 78 99 78 |
| SANE Helpline - mental illness information, support and referral | 1800 18 SANE (7263) |
Last Reviewed: 05 November 2010
- Martin G, Swannell SV, Hazell PL, et al. Self-injury in Australia: a community survey. Med J Aust 2010; 193: 506-10. http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/193_09_011110/mar10485_fm.html (accessed 5 Nov 2010).
