Thrush (also called a yeast infection) can cause an itch and vaginal discharge. It is caused by the sudden growth of yeast in the body. It's natural to find yeast in moist parts of the body (like the vagina or mouth), but when the yeast grows too rapidly it can cause thrush.

This is a very common infection with 75% of women and trans men with a vagina suffering from a thrush infection at some point in life.

Why do I get thrush?

There are some things that make an attack of thrush more likely:

Symptoms of thrush

Some of the common symptoms of thrush include:

Treatment and prevention for thrush

There are a number of different ways to relieve and treat thrush. You can try a few of these things to see if your symptoms improve.

Creams and pessaries

Talk to your pharmacist about the different sorts of creams and pessaries (tablets you insert into the vagina) available, and what might suit you best. This can bring relief and treat the infection.

Probiotic yoghurts

Probiotic yoghurts also contain good bacteria and are readily available in most supermarkets. Many people eat probiotic yoghurts as a way of relieving symptoms.

Wear loose clothing

Avoid tights and tight fitting clothes while you are being treated for thrush, as the friction can cause more irritation, and the area needs more room to breathe.

Changing your diet

Eliminate or reduce sugar, bread and yeast products (such as alcohol and fermented products) from your diet. Yeast thrives on these and can encourage thrush.

Build up the immune system by following a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Supplements after antibiotics

Lactobacteria supplements such as acidophilus (available in most pharmacies and health food shops) encourage the growth of friendly bacteria. Taking them during and after a course of antibiotics is one of the best ways of preventing thrush.

Washing and drying the area

Try washing in warm, salty water to soothe the area and avoid using soaps, shower gels or bubble baths around the vaginal area.

Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Make sure it's completely dry after washing and never hang around in wet or damp clothes like bikinis or swimsuits. 

Watch your toilet habits

Avoid bad hygiene habits when going to the toilet. Always wipe from front to back to stop yeast in the anus (bum) getting into your vagina.

Pads and tampons

Change tampons and sanitary pads regularly. Don't use perfumed sanitary pads.

Your parnter

If you have a partner, they should be treated for thrush at the same time. 

When to see a doctor

If symptoms persist, make sure to see a doctor for a full check-up.

Only take antibiotics prescribed for you by your doctor. If multiple courses are prescribed, ask your doctor if they are really necessary.

If you follow proper treatment, thrush will probably be gone within two weeks. If you don't get treatment, the problem can continue for years.

If you suffer from diabetes, the higher sugar content of your blood can encourage the growth of yeast. Talk to your doctor about keeping your blood sugar levels as well controlled as possible.​

Yoga has been around for thousands of years. It started off in ancient India but has now become hugely popular around the world thanks to its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Yoga is a great way to stretch the body, increase flexibility, calm the mind, and also get a workout. The benefits you get from yoga can depend on the type of yoga you do.

What is yoga?

Yoga uses stretching, movement, breathing methods, relaxation, and meditation to exercise your body and mind.

There are lots of different types of yoga. Some focus more on exercising the body, while others concentrate on meditation and relaxation. 

Types of yoga

The yoga styles below are just some of the types of yoga that are available. Every yoga studio will have different yoga styles on offer, and the best way to learn about a yoga style is to try it. 

If you’re signing up for a yoga class, ask about the type of yoga being taught so you know what to expect. If you don’t enjoy the first few classes then try a different type of yoga. The styles can be quite different, so it’s worth trying different classes until you find the one that works for you.

Some types you may be able to sign up for include:

Hatha

Hatha yoga is one of the most popular styles of yoga, and a good option for beginners. This a classic type of yoga that focuses on breathing and posture, moving slowly through the different poses, and holding poses for longer than you would in other types of yoga. This is a good way to get introduced to different yoga poses, moving with the breath, and getting used to the practice.

Hatha yoga helps to bring peace to the mind and body, and is a good way to prepare for meditation. A number of different yoga styles can fall under Hatha. Speak to the teacher of the class to find out what to expect.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga yoga involves moving through a set series of poses. It usually consists of six poses that move fluidly, flowing from one to the next with each inhale and exhale. The poses are always performed in the same order.

This is one of the more physically demanding types of yoga, as you constantly move from one pose to another throughout, rather than spending a few minutes in a pose. This is a good option if you’re looking for a workout.

Vinyasa (Flow)

Vinyasa yoga is sometimes called ‘Yoga Flow’ on a class list. Vinyasa yoga was influenced by Ashtanga yoga. Your movement is synchronised with your breath, using your breathing to move from one posture to the next. The difference between Vinyasa and Ashtanga is there is no set series of poses to go through and no set order in Vinyasa yoga. The teacher can change the poses and one class can be different to the next.

This is also a great option if you want to have a bit of a workout when practising yoga. 

Power

Like Vinyasa, Power yoga was also inspired by Ashtanga yoga. This type of yoga was adapted in the 80s, influenced by the popularity of aerobics. It’s an active form of yoga, but it differs from Vinyasa Flow because poses are often held for longer, and there’s a greater emphasis in building strength and muscle in the body, rather than flexibility and moving with the breath.

Power yoga is a good class to take at the gym, especially if you want to tone your body and work on muscle strength.

Bikram (Hot yoga)

Bikram yoga is one of the ‘hot yoga’ styles. This type of yoga takes place in a sauna-like room, and usually involves 26 basic yoga positions that are performed twice. The temperature in the room can range from 35-40 degrees Celsius. 

This can be an intense and challenging type of yoga, and it’s very important to prepare for the class by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after to avoid dehydration. It’s best to avoid eating within 2 hours before the class. You will need your own mat because you will sweat a lot, and leggings or close fitting pants are better than shorts because it prevents your legs from becoming slippery with sweat. A tight-fit tank top, a sports bra, or no shirt (for those who might have this option, such as men) are good choices for any hot yoga class.

While Bikram is not the only hot yoga class you’ll find, it is one of the most popular.

Iyengar

In Iyengar yoga, there is a greater emphasis on detail in each pose, and a deeper focus on controlling the breath. This type of yoga uses props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to get you into the perfect positions and go deeper. Poses can be held for a long time, and you make small adjustments while controlling your breathing.

This is a good way to build strength and stability, and can help to increase flexibility over time.

Restorative

As the name suggests, this is a more relaxing type of yoga and involves spending long amounts of time in the same 4-5 positions. Postures can be adapted to make them easier to stay in them, and props like block, straps, and blankets can be used to help you to go deeper into a relaxation.

This is a great option for anyone who needs to calm their mind, relieve stress, or unwind after a busy day.

Aerial yoga (Anti-gravity yoga)

Aerial yoga or ‘anti-gravity yoga’ is a form of yoga that is done using a soft, fabric hammock that hangs from the ceiling. The fabric is held up by carabineers, chains, and webbing straps, and people pracising will do a variety of traditional yoga poses or aerial adaptations of yoga poses while using the hammock for support.

Benefits of yoga

There are a range of benefits to practising yoga, from toned muscles, stretching your body, releasing tension, and helping to clear your mind.

Some of the benefits to practising yoga include:

Living a healthy lifestyle can be a bit different for everyone. A healthy body and mind, balanced diet and regular exercise can all be part of ensuring a happy and healthy lifestyle. If you hope to improve your health or lifestyle, take it slowly so that your body and mind can adjust with time. The following tips can help you get started with healthier habits.

Tips for a healthier lifestyle

Reduce processed food 

Look into which food groups are taking up the majority of your diet. Limit eating overly processed, fried, or packaged foods, takeaways, chocolate, crisps, sweets, and fizzy drinks whenever possible. Having a small packet of crisps or a couple of squares of chocolate every once in a while can be part of a balanced diet, but if it’s a significant portion of your diet you might want to make a change in order to feel your best.

Try to pick good quality food

Avoid buying ‘low fat’ ready meals or pre-packaged food when you can. Cooking and preparing your own food is a great habit for your body and mind. When you can, make a healthy meal yourself, made with ingredients such as fresh vegetables and whole grains. Real, whole foods are better for your body and your mind overall.

Stay balanced

Forget about magazine and celebrity diets, they don’t work and they’re bad for your health in the short and long. Many people who follow these trend diets put on even more weight after they go back to their normal eating habits. Putting on or losing weight quickly rather than gradually is bad for your health as well. And if your body image and self esteem is suffering, talk to someone about what is going on for you. There are services like Jigsaw and BodyWhys that can help as well.

Exercise

Start exercising regularly and maybe persuade a friend or family member to start exercising and eating healthily with you. It’s a lot easier to stick to a new routine when you’ve got support. Try lots of different types of exercise until you find one you actually enjoy – exercise shouldn’t be punishment. Bear in mind that exercise releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are our natural painkillers and they make us feel happy and relaxed. So if you find the right exercise, it really will make you happy.

Try to work in getting outside and being active into your daily routine. It’s recommended that everyone needs at least an hour of activity every day. That could be a walk to school or work, some yoga, a swim, a jog, or cleaning the house.

Drink water

Drink plenty of water every day. Sometimes we eat when our body is really looking for water. So, don’t confuse thirst with hunger. Plus, being dehydrated can wreak havoc on your energy levels and mood. To stay hydrated, consider cutting back on alcohol as well, as it dehydrates you, and has a negative impact on your health in general.

Think about it

Make sure you enjoy your food instead of eating because you’re bored or feeling down or angry. If you feel like eating when you’re not actually hungry, do something else you need or want to do. Clean your room, go for a walk or call a friend. 

On the flip side, if you’re very busy and skipping meals, be sure to make the time and plan your meals ahead of time to make sure you’re getting enough calories and nutrients to stay healthy.

Sleep

Make time for sleep. Sleep is extremely important to your health. Long-term sleep deprivation is associated with everything from depression to diabetes, so be sure to make time for 8 hours of quality sleep.

Prioritise your happiness

Spend time with the people who make you feel good. Hanging out with people you’re close to and who support you will help to boost your overall health and wellbeing.

And if you’re worried about your health and lifestyle, talk to your doctor about a healthy approach to changing your habits.

The Department of Health are conducting a public survey about personal possession of illegal drugs.

Personal possession is when someone has drugs, but they are for their own use and not to sell or supply to another person.

The survey

A Working Group has been created to see if there are other ways of dealing with the possession of illegal drugs for personal use.

The Working Group are looking for people to give their opinions about how effective the current drug laws are, and if other options should be considered for how possession of drugs is treated.

The questions on the survey are simple and only require selecting boxes or ticking on the options. Here’s an example of some of the questions:

The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous, meaning that no one will know that you have taken part or what you have answered.

If you would like to take part in the survey, it is open until 13th July and can be found here.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, oats and barley. Common food sources of gluten include the obvious foods such as pasta and the less obvious foods such as sauces and crisps (wheat is often used as a flavouring).

What is gluten sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is just what it says on the tin. A person who has gluten sensitivity has problems handling gluten. These problems can range from headaches to stomach aches to mood changes to weight issues.

How it differs from coeliac disease

This is a sticky one and there is much controversy over the difference between the two. Some doctors think that the difference is that people with coeliac disease have evidence of intestinal damage when they are biopsied and gluten sensitive people don’t. So, some docs would call a person a coeliac if they had high levels of gluten antibodies even with a normal biopsy, whereas other docs would say a clean biopsy means the person is neither coeliac nor gluten sensitive.

In general, the accepted definition seems to be that if you have antibodies in your blood there are gluten issues there, and many docs think it means a person is coeliac.

If you don’t have gluten antibodies in your blood (or in the controversial new stool test only available through private labs), then you may still have difficulty with gluten, but your body does not make antibodies to it and it is not damaging your stomach or intestines.

Many people discover their gluten sensitivity only by going on an elimination diet.

Prevalence of gluten intolerance in Ireland

Gluten sensitivity is only a newly recognised condition so there are no official figures for it. However, the incidence of coeliac disease in Ireland (particularly the west of Ireland) is very high, so many are of the opinion that the Irish population in general does not do well with gluten.

How to eat gluten free:

For info on how to eat gluten free, check out this article as well as: Coeliac Society of Ireland.

Barbecues are a fun, delicious summer activity, and barbecuing is a great way to cook and make food even tastier. With some creative thinking, you can maximise both the flavour and nutrition of your picnics and barbecues. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Tasty meat, fish and poultry

Use oil-vinegar based marinates for meat, fish and poultry at barbecues. Fruit purees, diluted fruit juice and low sugar preserves can also be used for tasty marinades.

For example, marinate slices of beef in orange juice before barbecuing. Then, put them in a plastic freezer bag for less mess and quicker clean up. Use a brush to lightly apply the marinade during barbecuing. Herbs can also be added to meat, fish and poultry before placing on the barbecue also.

Experiment with fruit and vegetables

There is a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in summer makes it is easy to eat the recommended five portions daily. Perk up traditional dishes by using strawberries, pears, pineapple, and kiwi. Add them to salads and salsa, or puree them in smoothies. Buying fruit in season also means you will get them at the best price.

Look out for special offers on exotic fruit, like kumquats, mangoes or star fruit in your local supermarket. Try barbecued fruit kebabs or banana parcels.

Vegetables like peppers, corn, aubergine or onions can be seasoned with herbs and placed directly on the barbecue until tender and brown. Vegetables like courgette, tomatoes, mushroom or carrot can be sliced, seasoned and wrapped in foil before placing on the barbecue and cooking until tender.

Salads

Salads don’t have to be boring. Use different varieties of lettuce to form the bases of your salad. Spinach leaves, watercress, celery tops, basil, parsley and chicory are also great in salads.

Experiment with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, cucumber, onion, different varieties of cheese, olives, chickpeas, etc. Add milk, fruit juice, or yoghurt or mayo for a tasty dressing. Serve with a natural, or less processed, salad dressing, using balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, or herbs.

Rice, couscous and pasta also provides an excellent basis for salad. Spice them up by adding flaked almonds, raisins, sun-dried tomatoes, different varieties of beans (kidney beans, black eyed beans), peas or lentils. Remember fruit and vegetables can be eaten alone, added to salads or used as garnish.

This information was provided by the Community Nutrition & Dietetic Service of the Health Promotion Department, HSE Dublin North East.

Coeliac disease is a disease whereby the body reacts negatively to a protein in grains called gluten. Basically, the body cannot handle the gluten and starts attacking itself. In your intestines, there are little feather like things called villi and these need to be upright to absorb nutrients. With coeliac disease, these villi become flattened and so nutrients will not be absorbed. Not good.

Ireland has one of the highest incidences of coeliac disease in the world.

Symptoms

Symptoms can be varied. Some people will get obvious tummy symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation and pain. However, many people will not. In the old days, there was a myth that all coeliacs were underweight with bad stomach problems. However, nowadays many adults diagnosed with coeliac disease are of normal weight or even overweight and do not have stomach problems.

Symptoms of coeliac disease are long and varied but include:

Diagnosis:

Traditionally, coeliac disease is diagnosed via blood tests which look for antibodies to gluten. When testing for coeliac disease however, a person must make sure they are consuming enough gluten to make the tests accurate. Views on how much gluten should be consumed vary, but most doctors state that a person should be eating gluten at least one meal a day, preferably up to four slices of bread daily.

Realistically, the more gluten a person can eat before the testing the better. Once bloods have been taken, a person will then be sent to get a biopsy. A biopsy is where doctors take some samples of the intestinal lining. The intestines are 30 feet long however, so some doctors feel that the biopsy could miss the patches of flattened villi. Therefore, some people will choose to undertake a gluten free diet even if the biopsy is negative. These people say that they feel much better on a gluten-free diet.

New tests and screens are being developed for coeliac disease. A stool test for coeliac disease has been provided by Dr. Kenneth Fine for a few years now and genetic testing is also available. Stool tests have not been studied in any great scientific detail as of yet.

Finally, there are some doctors who feel that anyone with coeliac symptoms, but negative bloods and biopsies, should give the gluten-free diet a trial. It may help.

Treatment:

Treatment for coeliac disease involves going on a gluten free diet. Gluten is present in oats, wheat, barley and rye. It sounds easy right? Well, the problem is that gluten is hidden everywhere. So you will need to become a label reader. The Coeliac Society of Ireland produces a fantastic booklet with lists of gluten-free foods so that you have other options. Naturally gluten-free foods are always available though such as fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, meats, dairy, pulses, rice, corn, nuts, seeds and potatoes. You may need to get a follow up biopsy within a year or two after diagnosis to see if your body is healing.

Experiencing urges to self-harm can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and guidance, learning to resist the urge to self-harm is possible. Recognising an urge does not mean you have to act on it. Understanding your triggers can help you prepare strategies to avoid or reduce harm by using safer self-harm alternatives.

There are various techniques that people find helpful when recovering from self-harm. Some of these techniques can help you to resist the urge to self-harm in the moment by distracting you, while others offer alternative, non-harmful ways to express or process your thoughts and feelings.

Self-harm distraction techniques

The 15-minute rule

Many people find the ‘15-minute rule’ helpful when managing urges to self-harm. When you feel the urge to self-harm, try to delay self-harming for 15 minutes, keeping yourself occupied during this time with distraction techniques.

Distraction techniques can be helpful. When the 15 minutes are up, if you still have the urge, you can continue the distraction for another 15 minutes. You then repeat this process until the urge has passed. If 15 minutes is too long, you can start with five minutes and work your way up to 15 minutes.

You might find it helpful to monitor how you’re feeling and which distraction techniques work best for you. If it’s not too overwhelming, keeping a diary or list of your preferred distraction methods can be helpful.

Find a distraction technique that works for you

Below are a number of techniques that you can try if you are looking for a distraction from the urge to avoid self-harm:

Harm minimisation versus harm prevention

If you start self-harm treatment, you might find harm minimisation more helpful than prevention methods. Prevention focuses on stopping self-harm as early as possible. However, harm minimisation acknowledges that the urge to self-harm might continue throughout recovery and trys to avoid, delay, or reduce both the level of harm and the number of times you self-harm.

People who self-harm often do so as a way of coping with emotional distress. Stopping self-harm suddenly, without replacing self-harm coping behaviours for healthier coping mechanisms, can be difficult for some people. This is why using harm minimisation in the short term, ideally under the supervision of a mental health professional, can be helpful for some people. Harm minimisation involves using less harmful behaviours that can still offer some emotional relief, such as snapping a rubber band on the wrist instead of cutting.

Harm minimisation strategies should be carefully monitored by a qualified mental health professional. They should also be used together with other forms of therapy. In a study looking at self-harm reduction strategies from the perspective of young people, a small group of 14–15-year-olds said they benefited from harm minimisation because it provided:

Harm minimisation is not suitable for everyone. Further research is necessary to see who might benefit most from harm minimisation strategies and what is the best way to use them.

Using self-harm alternatives safely

If you feel unable to resist the urge to self-harm, you may want to minimise harm or find safer alternatives to the way you usually self-harm. Below are techniques you can try depending on which situations you are in.

If you feel the need for a ‘release’ but want a safer alternative

If you cannot resist the self-harm urge and want to minimise harm to yourself

Regularly practising coping techniques that replace your usual methods of self-harm with safer alternatives or eliminate harm altogether provides the greatest long-term benefits for your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Fruit and veg are tasty and nutritious and we should all be aiming to eat at least five servings a day.

What counts as a serving of fruit and veg?

The following is one serving of fruit or veg:

Ways to eat more fruit and veg

Breakfast

Lunch

Snack

Dinner

Find out more about sticking to a balanced diet.

We all need and crave different foods at different times of the year. You probably won’t feel like a big bowl of steaming stew in August, but it might just be the ticket for you in December.

Ideas for delicious seasonal meals

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Winter

Discovering that you or someone you care about is self-harming can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. You may not know where to turn to for support, and you may be confused about your or another’s reasons for self-harm.

In this article, you will find answers to the following common questions about self-harm:

What is self–harm?
How do I know if I’m self-harming?
What are some of the reasons people self-harm?
Why might some people engage in self-harm repeatedly?
Who is most at risk of self-harm?
What is the difference between self-harm and suicidal thoughts?
What is the difference between self-harm and “nonsuicidal self-injury” (NSSI)?

If you would like to learn more about the support and services available, visit our factsheet on getting support for self-harm.

What is self-harm?

Self-harm can mean different things to different people, and the way it’s understood can change based on someone’s culture. There are many ways someone might harm their body on purpose, such as not eating enough, exercising too much, or misusing alcohol or drugs. What counts as harm also depends on where you are and what’s considered normal in your culture. For example, in many cultures, tattoos and piercings are not considered harmful despite causing physical damage to a person’s body tissue.

In the Western context, self-harm is any action where a person intentionally hurts themselves. Generally, this involves biting, cutting, scratching, pulling out hair, punching or burning. People who physically and intentionally hurt themselves often do so as a way to cope with emotional distress. A coping mechanism is a pattern of behaviour or thoughts that a person uses in an attempt to manage difficult emotions or psychological discomfort. Most of the time, when a person harms themselves, they do not have the intention of taking their own life. However, people who deliberately hurt themselves are at a higher risk of suicidal behaviour in the future. This risk may be higher when someone does not receive support for their self-harm or if the reasons behind their distress are not resolved.

How do I know if I’m self-harming?

Some people may self-harm frequently and find it difficult to stop, while others might hurt themselves a couple of times and then not do it again. Some people consistently use the same method of hurting themselves, whereas others may harm themselves in different ways at different times. Self-harm isn’t always obvious and can include behaviours that you might not initially consider. This means that people can sometimes self-harm without realising it.

You might be self-harming if you’re intentionally hurting yourself as a way to deal with overwhelming emotions, or even when you feel numb or disconnected from things around you. Realising that you’re self-harming can be difficult. You might feel a mix of emotions, including fear about how others might react if they found out, or uncertainty about how to stop on your own. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there is help available. With support, it is possible to manage and overcome the urges to hurt yourself.

What are some of the reasons people self-harm?

People intentionally hurt themselves for many different reasons. Research shows that self-harm can often be used to manage distress, create a comforting or soothing experience, or explore self-identity.

Managing distress

When people deliberately hurt themselves to cope with their distress, they may be trying to:

Trying to create a comforting experience

When hurting themselves to create a positive experience, people might be trying their best to:

Exploring self-identity

When hurting themselves to explore their identity, people might be trying to:

You might not know why you or someone else hurts themselves at first. Learning more about self-harm and working with a mental health professional, like a counsellor, can help you understand why you hurt yourself and how you can begin to develop alternative, less harmful coping mechanisms.

Why might some people engage in self-harm repeatedly?

Some people who intentionally hurt themselves say that doing so can provide short-term relief from negative emotions. Someone may be self-harming as a way of trying to cope with difficult thoughts or emotions. If they experiences temporary relief from this, they are less likely to try other ways of coping that they may find more helpful. As self-harm is often done alone, people can be less likely to seek and receive support from others. This can lead to someone relying on physically hurting themselves as their main way of coping, and feeling a strong urge to repeat it when difficult emotions arise.

Some people who self-harm repeatedly may experience symptoms similar to people with substance or behavioural addictions:

Who is most at risk of self-harm?

Self-harm is complicated, and there isn’t just one reason why someone might intentionally hurt themselves. Self-harming affects people of all ages, generations, gender identities, and sexual identities. However, certain events and experiences can make it more likely for a person to start self-harming.

Mental health difficulties

Researchers have found that certain mental health difficulties can increase the likelihood of someone self-harming.

Some of these include:

Social factors

Social isolation or having few friends can increase someone’s risk of intentionally hurting themselves. Studies show that being around others who are repeatedly self-harming can also be a risk factor, especially for people already dealing with mental health challenges, low self-esteem, or difficulty managing emotions.  Discrimination based on sexual identity, gender identity, race, ability level, or any other personal characteristic can also add to this risk.

Exposure to past trauma and/or stressful life events

Researchers have found a strong connection between experiencing sexual abuse or childhood neglect and the risk of self-harming behaviour. People who have experienced dating or relationship violence, as well as those experiencing the breakup of a relationship, may also be at increased risk of self-harming.

Stressful life events can also increase the likelihood of a young person self-harming as a coping mechanism. These might include:

How often will someone self-harm?

Someone’s risk of self-harming increases with the number of times they have previously self-harmed.

Gender and sexual identity

Research suggests that girls aged 10-14 years are much more likely to self-harm (leading to hospital visits) than boys of the same age. Overall girls and women aged 10-24 years more commonly self-harm than boys and men of the same age.

According to the latest national research by TCD and BelongTo, which involved more than 2,800 LGBTQ+ young people, self-harm rates are highest among transgender and gender non-conforming youth, with 75% reporting self-harm.

This same study found that among the 631 LGBTQ+ participants aged 14 to 18, self-harm rates were reported to be three times higher than those of their non LGBTQ+ peers.

What is the difference between self-harm and suicidal thoughts?

While there can be a link between suicidal thoughts and self-harm, many people who hurt themselves are not actively suicidal. It is important to get support if you are harming, because it can lead to serious injuries.

Some people describe intentionally hurting themselves as a way of staying alive and managing severe emotional distress. This means that the person is trying their best to cope and needs support to help them through this time of emotional distress. However, repeated self-harm is the strongest risk factor for suicide. If you self-harm it does not mean that you will do it forever. There are lots of effective strategies, supports and services that can help you.

Self-harm terminology explained

Sometimes, mental health professionals and health websites use different terms, including self-mutilation and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), to describe self-harm behaviours. Here, to avoid confusion, you will find explanations of the terms self-harm and nonsuicidal self-injury.

It’s important to understand that just because someone doesn’t meet the exact criteria for an NSSI diagnosis, it doesn’t mean they haven’t self-harmed or aren’t currently self-harming.

What is the difference between self-harm and nonsuicidal self-injury?

Self-harm involves a range of intentional actions that cause physical injury, like cutting, biting, scraping, or burning, without the intention of dying by suicide. However, it is not an official medical diagnosis.

NSSI is a diagnosable mental health condition based on a narrower, more precise definition of self-harm. A person with NSSI (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury) may  repeatedly self-harm, like burning the skin, hitting or punching themselves, or using sharp objects to pierce the skin. This is different from actions like nail-biting, skin-picking, or hair-pulling, which usually result in less physical injury.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which doctors use to diagnose mental health disorders, someone may be diagnosed with NSSI if:

Getting help for self-harm in Ireland

If you or someone you care about is self-harming, seeking help can improve quality of life, even if it feels challenging. Finding someone who will listen and understand without judgement can make a significant difference. A mental health professional, like a counsellor or psychotherapist, can work with you to develop both short-term and long-term strategies for coping with difficult emotions. They can help you gradually replace behaviours with less harmful, more effective coping methods. To take the first step, consider visiting your GP, where you can explore support options that feel right for you.

If you are not ready to visit your GP, there are helplines and other immediate and anonymous support options available. For more information on accessing help, check out our article on getting support for self-harm.

Stopping self harm is not easy. It takes time and a lot of work. So, if you know someone who is in the process of stopping, you may be wondering how you can help. What can you do to make things a bit easier for them? Is there any way you can help them through the process?

Ways you can help a friend who is self harming

There are a few things you can do to support your friend:

Do some research and try to understand

Read more about self harm, what it is, and why people do it. Self harm is about emotional pain and dealing with difficult emotions. You can find more information about self harm here.

​Encourage them to get professional help

Whether it is in the form of a GP visit, a support group or a counsellor, support your friend in finding the help they need. Be there for them if they find the process tough. You can learn what to do if you have to accompany your friend to a support service here. Remember there are free support services like Pieta House who have centres all around the country. They support people of all ages who may self harm or be feeling suicidal.

Get help if they say they feel suicidal

It is important to note that someone who self harms does not necessarily mean they are suicidal. However, if you do suspect that they have become suicidal, it is important to tell someone like a family member. It’s a good idea to discuss this with the person and to agree on contacting someone they feel can help. For more on what to do if your friend is feeling suicidal, click here.

Try not to panic or judge them

Maybe you’ve never dealt with someone who self harms before, but your freaking out won’t help anything. Instead, it may just make the person feel worse and a whole less likely to confide in you.

You may not understand self harming and feel that you can’t relate to it at all. Listen to what they need to share with you.

Avoid pushing for details

There’s no need to ask how they self harm, and it’s also not a good idea to ask to look at their cuts or scars. This may make them feel embarrassed or ashamed. It may also make them less likely to confide in you again.

Try not to pressure your friend 

Self harm is not easy to stop and if your friend could stop self harming easily, they probably would. Telling someone who self harms to stop immediately is like telling an alcoholic to “just stop drinking”. It takes a lot of effort and work for someone to stop and they need to be supported in this process.

Look after yourself and acknowledge your own feelings

Acknowledge how you feel – it’s normal to be shocked, upset, and afraid. You can let the person know that you’re upset to know that they have been finding things difficult, but that you can handle it and want to support them.

If you’re going to support someone who self harms, it’s important that you have some way of dealing with the feelings it brings up for you. You may want to speak to someone from your local Jigsaw centre.

Know your limits, and mind yourself. Only offer as much support as you feel you can. Remember that you’re not the only source of support to this person, and if they are to stop self harming they will benefit from the help of a few people.

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