Self-harm

In this episode of The Lancet Voice, host Gavin Cleaver interviews Paul Moran and Helen Christensen, lead commissioners of The Lancet's new commission on self-harm. They define self-harm as a behavior, not a mental disorder, and discuss its prevalence, noting significant underreporting and the need for better surveillance. The impetus for the commission stems from self-harm being a neglected public health issue with high morbidity and mortality risks. They explore the complex reasons behind self-harm, emphasizing the importance of cultural and societal factors, especially in indigenous communities. The discussion covers the inadequacy of current service responses, the need for compassionate care, and the importance of addressing social determinants like poverty and discrimination. Recommendations include governments adopting a whole-of-government approach, decriminalizing self-harm, and improving access to effective mental health services and training.