Wider impacts
Self-harm
Self-harm profoundly affects not only individuals but also their families and carers, leading to a range of emotional, physical, and practical challenges. Parents often experience intense emotions such as shock, guilt, fear, frustration, and anger upon discovering a child’s self-harming behaviour (41). These reactions can strain family dynamics and relationships, sometimes resulting in an environment where members feel they are “walking on eggshells” (41). Siblings may feel neglected or develop their own emotional issues, while parents might struggle to balance supporting the affected individual with maintaining normalcy for the rest of the family (42). Additionally, families and carers may face social stigma and isolation, as self-harm is often misunderstood by the broader community (41). This lack of understanding can hinder families from seeking necessary support, further exacerbating feelings of loneliness and helplessness (41).
Using the 2023 lifetime prevalence estimate of self-harm among 17–24-year-olds at approximately 37% from the Mental Health of Children and Young People in England survey (30) , it is estimated that around 40,000 young people aged 15–24 in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have ever self-harmed. This high prevalence highlights the significant impact of self-harm not only on individuals but also on their families and carers.
Data on the families and carers of working-age and older adults who self-harm is limited.
Suicide
It is estimated that up to 135 people are affected by an individual suicide, and 30 people are directly affected by every suicide (43). Using these rough estimates and based on 65 suicides in C&P in 2022, we can infer that up to 8775 people have been affected by suicide in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in 2022, with almost 2000 people being directly affected. In addition, residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough may also be affected by the suicide of loved ones who did not live locally. Suicide also increases the risk of suicide in those bereaved by 65% and up to 10% will go on to attempt suicide themselves (44).
Many of the inquest notes reviewed for the local suicide audit contained statements from family members and friends. What was clear from all family statements was the pain and sadness left in the wake of every suicide. Families are left with thoughts about whether they could have done more – nobody thought that the suicide of their loved one was inevitable.
Additional resources
- Coping with Self-Harm: A Guide for Parents and Carers – a guide produced by a team of academics and clinicians