Over one a day self harming in Sunderland

Public Health England data shows women are more likely to require urgent hospital for self-harm injuries than men and the Mental Health Foundation say that – while the reflect higher rates of anxiety and depression among women and girls – all genders should remain a priority for mental health support.

The data shows that there were 535 admissions to hospital through accident and emergency for self-harm injuries in the city in 2019-20.

That is a rate of 215 admissions per 100,000 women, and 188 per 100,000 men.

Across England, the rate was 247 per 100,000 among women, and 140 for men in 2019-20 – meaning nearly two-thirds of the 108,000 patients admitted were female.

Catherine Seymour, head of research at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "It is possible that women and girls are more likely to recognise and report mental distress and self-harm than men and boys.

"We need to consider all genders a priority for mental health support."

Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, said: “The figures don’t necessarily mean that females are more likely than males to self-harm, but may indicate greater willingness to ask for support and treatment, whether that’s medical help or by reaching out to friends and family.

Nadine Dorries, minister for mental health, said: "Mental health services have remained open over the last year and we are constantly improving support and access to services – investing £57m million a year in suicide prevention.”