THE Hunter has higher rates of hospitalisations for self harm than the state average, with NSW Health data showing young females are particularly vulnerable.
The number of young people being hospitalised for intentional self harm in Hunter New England has risen from about 220 in 2001-02, to more than 400 in 2017-18, HealthStats NSW data shows, and females represented the majority of cases.
Females aged 15-to-24 in Hunter New England had a higher rate per population than the state average, rising from 276.8 in 2001-02, to 518.3 in 2017-18. The NSW population rate in 2017-18 was 343.2. But males aged 15-to-24 in Hunter New England also had higher rates of intentional self harm hospitalisations compared to the state average, rising from 149.8 per population in 2001-02, to 208 in 2017-18.
The data comes as research by a team of psychologists from Australia, the UK and the US found people who felt "positive" about self-injuring themselves were twice as likely to do so than people who felt negatively about their behaviour. Researchers from Edith Cowan University, the University of Manchester, and University of California believe the study has "important implications" for how people who self-harm are supported.
The study found that while people who self-harmed often did not like the way their behaviour affected their lives, it often helped them "feel safe and secure". People who felt more positively about their self-injury were found to do it more frequently, while stronger negative feelings were related to feeling more shame.
"Because we now know that these people find some comfort in what they do, we have a deeper understanding as to why shaming them is likely to have no effect - and could even make matters worse," Edith Cowan University Associate Professor, Joanne Dickson, said.
She said the "intentional infliction of damage to one's body without suicidal intent" was a major public health concern, and one of the strongest predictors of suicide.
"There is a societal stigma attached to self-injury and the focus can often be on the problems it causes and the reasons why we feel someone should stop," she said. "This research highlights the importance of better understanding the reasons why a person might continue to self-injure."
Hunter New England Health said those requiring urgent help for suicidal thoughts and self-harm should dial "000", attend an emergency department, or contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
