Rates of self-harm in England

Rates of self-harm are changing over time. Following a decrease in the early 2000s, rates began to increase again after 2008, particularly in men.

This can be clearly seen in the graph below.

This increase in rates of self-harm by men is mostly accounted for by a rapid increase in self-harm by men aged 35 to 54. Rates for this age group have increased 72% since 2008.

In women, it is the youngest age group that consistently have the highest rates of hospital presentation for self-harm, and this group has also seen increases in rates of self-harm since 2008.