Suicide and Self Harm – Mental Wellbeing in Young People Shona Straiton & Morna Johnston

The aim of today… To look at suicide and self harm in young people in Scotland –Statistics –Similarities and differences A young person’s perspective – Morna Johnston Your role in supporting young people thinking about suicide and/or self harm What supports are out there? –Training –Organisations & wider resources Close and questions

Suicide in Scotland In 2012, there were 762 deaths by suicide in Scotland. More than 4x the number of road traffic deaths (170), and an average of more than 2 people each day in Scotland There are around 3 times more male deaths by suicide than females every year in Scotland (73% in last year) Children & Young People: –3 deaths by ‘intentional self harm/undetermined intent’ aged –By aged, 15-19, this rises to 25 deaths

Self Harm? ‘Self-harm 'motivated primarily by bullying‘ (BBC News 27/02/14) #cut4Beiber How self harm makes me feel

Self Harm in young people It can be harder to get accurate stats on self harm...Why? Approx. 10% of young people will have self harmed by the age of 16 Self harm is more common in young females than males

Suicide vs Self Harm…one and the same? For most people, self harm is not about suicide/wanting to die. It is about needing to release the feelings built up inside. Self harm is rarely about the act itself but what is behind it. Self harming behaviour does carry a risk…

A Young Person’s Experience Morna Johnston

Your Role In groups, please consider: –What is your role in supporting young people affected by suicide & self harm? –What expectation is there on you to support young people in your role? –How prepared/equipped do you feel to help?

What supports are out there? Training –Mental Health Awareness –Suicide Prevention: ASIST safeTALK Organisations and Wider Resources –Handout Looking after yourself

Any Questions? Shona Straiton Community Support Network Service Manager tel: