A Population-Based Study of Help-Seeking for Self-Harm in Young Adults

The authors examined help-seeking for self-harm in a population-based sample of young adults. Self-harm included suicidal behaviors (ICD-9 self-harm) & other self-harmful behaviors such as self-battery. Just over half in the ICD self-harm group & one-fifth in the other self-harm behavior group had sought professional help. Most participants rated help received from health services favourably, however, emergency services were rated less favourably than other health services. Barriers to help-seeking are discussed. (22 refs)