Descriptions of Youth who Self Harm: The Mackay-Mooranbah Youth Suicide Prevention Project

27 youth in North Queensland who deliberately self-harmed were studied. Depression was significantly associated with suicide attempts. In the main sample only minor involvement with delinquent or illicit drug abuse (other than marijuana) was noted. Approximately half the young people felt they had family support & 75% lived at home at the time of the attempt. School counsellors appear to be significant gatekeepers for this group. It is of concern that over the study period, GPs virtually disappeared as significant referral or treatment agents for young people who self-harm. (9 refs.)