Self-harm statistics

Self-harmers are 100 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population In 1998 about 160,000 were admitted to A&E with self-harm injuries in England and Wales Of those about 24,000 were teenagers

Four times as many young people would laugh and think they were joking if a male friend admitted to feeling suicidal rather than a female friend.

Over three quarters of the population believe men do not get the same kind of emotional support as women.

Two thirds of men believe women have gained influence while men have lost it.

Simon Armson, chief executive of The Samaritans, said: "Research shows that while almost half the population know someone who has self-harmed, a large proportion have little understanding of the scale of the problem or how to help."

Difficult emotions

Research shows that approximately 65% of people who self-harm are experiencing relationship difficulties.

Among men who self-harm almost half also misuse alcohol and approximately 6% of women who self-harm also have an eating disorder.

Samaritan projects have been set up across the UK and Republic of Ireland with local schools and hospitals to provide support for those who self-harm and are at high risk of suicide.