Suicide, self-harm, and non-suicidal self-injury are complex issues. New research suggests that for more than three quarters of people who self-injure, it is an attempt to cope with highly distressing feelings, and that self-injury can serve to regulate these emotions in the absence of other outlets. Read more about recent findings on self-injury. The recent Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth report shows that suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 5 – 17. The authors suggest this is to do with the diverse and compounding stresses faced by children and young people, including cyberbullying, body image issues, financial and housing instability and feeling isolated, resulting in a sense of hopelessness and the inability to envision a positive future. Listen to an interview about the findings with CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, Dr Peggy Brown, who was recognised in the Australia Day 2018 Honours List with an Order of Australia.
