Latest news with #NSSI
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Singapore study reveals 1 in 4 young people have self-harmed
One in four Singaporeans aged 15 to 35 have engaged in deliberate self-harm at least once, researchers have found, with the behaviour especially prevalent among teenagers – highlighting mounting concerns about emotional distress and unhealthy coping strategies in younger age groups. Advertisement The findings, published in March, were drawn from a national study conducted by Singapore's Institute of Mental Health (IMH) involving 2,600 respondents. It categorised behaviours such as cutting, burning, hitting or other forms of deliberate self-harm as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The median age that such self-harm starts is 14, while males typically have a second peak at around age 18, according to the study. Roughly 11.6 per cent of respondents reported engaging in self-harm at least five times. Cutting was the most prevalent form of self-injury, cited by about 13.5 per cent of respondents, followed by severe scratching, self-punching and headbanging. Advertisement Although NSSI is not formally classified as a mental disorder, experts have cautioned that it often reflects underlying psychological distress. Swapna Verma, chairman of IMH's medical board, told The Straits Times that young people may turn to self-harm when overwhelmed by emotions they are unable to manage in healthier ways.
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
One in four youth in S'pore have engaged in self-injury without suicidal intent: Study
SINGAPORE: One in four young people here say they have hurt themselves at least once in their lives, in ways such as cutting or punching themselves. This was the finding of a recent study that shed new light on the prevalence and patterns of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among young people in Singapore. NSSI typically includes cutting, burning, hitting or otherwise inflicting physical harm. The study found that the median age that NSSI behaviour starts was 14, while males had a second peak at around 18 years of age. Repetitive NSSI, defined as at least five instances of self-harm, was reported by 11.6 per cent of respondents. The most common method of self-injury in the study was cutting, which was prevalent among almost 13.5 per cent of young people. This was followed by severe scratching, punching themselves and banging their heads against something The study, published in March, took data from the National Youth Mental Health Study, which involved 2,600 participants aged 15 to 35. The national study was conducted by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). Dr Swapna Verma, chairman of the medical board at IMH, told The Straits Times that NSSI is not a mental disorder but a behaviour that often signals underlying issues. 'Young people may resort to self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or distress that they don't have the tools to manage in healthier ways. 'For some, it provides a temporary relief from intense feelings like sadness, anger, anxiety or numbness. Others may use it to communicate distress.' The study highlighted certain risk factors associated with self-harm. Females were twice as likely as males to engage in self-injury. IMH senior research officer Sherilyn Chang said that though some studies show NSSI to be more prevalent among females, research on gender differences in NSSI prevalence remains mixed. 'A reason for higher odds in females could be that females tend to experience greater levels of psychological distress, and this in turn is associated with higher odds of NSSI.' Some studies have reported that females often try to manage their emotions more than males, she said. 'However, this increased attention on regulating emotions can sometimes have the opposite effect, especially if it involves overthinking or dwelling on negative feelings. Over time, the distress is sustained or intensified and may lead to NSSI behaviour.' Young people aged 15 to 29 and those with lower educational attainment also reported higher odds of self-injury, and those experiencing severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression and anxiety were more likely to engage in the behaviour. Those who had body image dissatisfaction were twice as likely to engage in NSSI than those who were not. Chang said: 'It is suggested that individuals with body dissatisfaction develop a disregard for their body and may be indifferent about protecting it, along with an increased tolerance for pain. 'Such indifference and disregard for their body facilitates individuals in engaging in self-injurious behaviours when they face intense emotional distress.' Although about one in four young people have hurt themselves at some point in their lives, far fewer reported having done so in the past 12 months. Researchers suggest this may be due to older participants outgrowing the behaviour, developing healthier coping strategies, or receiving professional help over time. Given that NSSI begins early at the median age of 14 and its overlap with the schooling years, researchers from the study stressed the importance of training school personnel like teachers and counsellors to recognise and appropriately respond to signs of self-harm. They also called for more preventive programmes to focus on reducing the start of self-injurious behaviours. This could include programmes aimed at enhancing resilience in young people or teaching healthier coping strategies that can help them regulate their emotions. Currently, mental health education lessons in the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum aim to equip students with knowledge and skills to manage their emotions, differentiate normal stress from distress or mental illnesses, and to seek help when needed. It is also important to improve awareness and knowledge of the issue on a broader societal level, researchers said, as self-harming behaviour is often associated with shame and stigma, and young people may often choose to keep quiet about it. Dr Swapna said parents and caregivers may not realise that it is an issue, as teenagers tend to hide their self-harm, often carrying it out in secrecy due to shame or fear of disapproval. Knowing more about non-suicidal self-injury and the warning signs to look out for, like unexplained cuts or bruises, frequent isolation, or sudden mood changes, can help parents and caregivers respond more appropriately, she added. 'Invalidating the young person's struggles or being judgmental strains the relationship and may be distressing to someone already struggling with self-harm. 'Instead, it is important to create a space where the teen feels safe to talk, to listen without judgment, and to help him or her acquire new skills to process and regulate emotions, and cope with stressors.' - The Straits Times/ANN
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
One in four young people in Singapore have self-harmed, national study finds
SINGAPORE, June 15 — A quarter of young people in Singapore have deliberately hurt themselves at least once in their lives, often by cutting, scratching or punching themselves, according to a national study that sheds light on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The findings, from the National Youth Mental Health Study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and published in The Straits Times today, involved 2,600 participants aged 15 to 35 and were published in March. NSSI typically begins at a median age of 14, with a second peak among males around 18. While not classified as a mental disorder, NSSI is often a sign of deeper emotional struggles. 'Young people may resort to self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or distress that they don't have the tools to manage in healthier ways,' Dr Swapna Verma, chairman of the IMH medical board, reportedly said. 'For some, it provides temporary relief from intense feelings like sadness, anger, anxiety or numbness. Others may use it to communicate distress.' About 11.6 per cent had engaged in repetitive self-harm, defined as five or more instances. Cutting was the most common method, reported by nearly 13.5 per cent, followed by scratching, punching, and head-banging. Girls were twice as likely as boys to self-harm. IMH senior research officer Sherilyn Chang said females tend to experience greater psychological distress, which may account for the higher rates. 'It is suggested that individuals with body dissatisfaction develop a disregard for their body and may be indifferent about protecting it, along with an increased tolerance for pain. 'Such indifference and disregard for their body facilitates individuals in engaging in self-injurious behaviours when they face intense emotional distress,' she said. Other risk factors included being aged 15 to 29, lower educational attainment, severe depression or anxiety, and body dissatisfaction. Those unhappy with their body image were twice as likely to self-harm. Though one in four reported self-harming at some point, fewer said they had done so in the past year — possibly due to maturing, healthier coping, or receiving help. Researchers urged schools to step up early intervention, given the behaviour typically begins during the school years. They recommended training teachers and counsellors to spot warning signs and respond appropriately. They also called for preventive programmes to build resilience and teach healthier emotional coping. Mental health education is currently included in the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum. Beyond schools, the researchers stressed the need for greater public awareness, noting that stigma often keeps young people from speaking up. Dr Swapna said many parents may be unaware of their children's self-harm, as it is usually kept secret. 'Invalidating the young person's struggles or being judgmental strains the relationship,' she said. 'Instead, it is important to create a space where the teen feels safe to talk, to listen without judgment, and to help him or her acquire new skills to process and regulate emotions, and cope with stressors.' *If you are lonely, distressed, or having negative thoughts, Befrienders offers free and confidential support 24 hours a day. A full list of Befrienders contact numbers and state operating hours is available here: There are also free hotlines for young people. Talian Kasih at 15999 (24/7); and Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR)(daily 12pm-12am). Contact Befrienders KL at 03-7627 2929, or 04-2910 100 in Penang, or 05-2380 485 in Ipoh, or 088-335 793 in Kota Kinabalu. Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or visit for a full list of numbers and operating hours).
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Straits Times
One in four youth in S'pore have engaged in self-injury without suicidal intent: Study
This behaviour often signals underlying issues, such as overwhelming emotions or distress. PHOTO: ST FILE One in four youth in S'pore have engaged in self-injury without suicidal intent: Study SINGAPORE – One in four young people here say they have hurt themselves at least once in their lives, in ways such as cutting or punching themselves. This was the finding of a recent study that shed new light on the prevalence and patterns of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among young people in Singapore. NSSI typically includes cutting, burning, hitting or otherwise inflicting physical harm. The study found that the median age that NSSI behaviour starts was 14, while males had a second peak at around 18 years of age. Repetitive NSSI, defined as at least five instances of self-harm, was reported by 11.6 per cent of respondents. Helplines Mental well-being Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours) Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (24 hours CareText via WhatsApp) Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019 Silver Ribbon Singapore: 6386-1928 Chat, Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health: 6493-6500/1 Women's Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm) Counselling Touchline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252 Touch Care Line (for caregivers): 6804-6555 Counselling and Care Centre: 6536-6366 We Care Community Services: 3165-8017 Clarity Singapore: 6757-7990 Online resources (for those aged 13 to 25) (for those aged 12 to 25) The most common method of self-injury in the study was cutting, which was prevalent among almost 13.5 per cent of young people. This was followed by severe scratching, punching themselves, and banging their heads against something. The study, published in March, took data from the National Youth Mental Health Study, which involved 2,600 participants aged 15 to 35. The national study was conducted by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). Dr Swapna Verma, chairman of the medical board at IMH, told The Straits Times that NSSI is not a mental disorder but a behaviour that often signals underlying issues. 'Young people may resort to self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or distress that they don't have the tools to manage in healthier ways. 'For some, it provides a temporary relief from intense feelings like sadness, anger, anxiety or numbness. Others may use it to communicate distress.' The study highlighted certain risk factors associated with self-harm. Females were twice as likely as males to engage in self-injury. IMH senior research officer Sherilyn Chang said that though some studies show NSSI to be more prevalent among females, research on gender differences in NSSI prevalence remains mixed. 'A reason for higher odds in females could be that females tend to experience greater levels of psychological distress, and this in turn is associated with higher odds of NSSI.' Some studies have reported that females often try to manage their emotions more than males, she said. 'However, this increased attention on regulating emotions can sometimes have the opposite effect, especially if it involves overthinking or dwelling on negative feelings. Over time, the distress is sustained or intensified and may lead to NSSI behaviour.' Young people aged 15 to 29 and those with lower educational attainment also reported higher odds of self-injury, and those experiencing severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression and anxiety were more likely to engage in the behaviour. Those who had body image dissatisfaction were twice as likely to engage in NSSI than those who were not. Ms Chang said: 'It is suggested that individuals with body dissatisfaction develop a disregard for their body and may be indifferent about protecting it, along with an increased tolerance for pain. 'Such indifference and disregard for their body facilitates individuals in engaging in self-injurious behaviours when they face intense emotional distress.' Although about one in four young people have hurt themselves at some point in their lives, far fewer reported having done so in the past 12 months. Researchers suggest this may be due to older participants outgrowing the behaviour, developing healthier coping strategies, or receiving professional help over time. Given that NSSI begins early at the median age of 14 and its overlap with the schooling years, researchers from the study stressed the importance of training school personnel like teachers and counsellors to recognise and appropriately respond to signs of self-harm. They also called for more preventive programmes to focus on reducing the start of self-injurious behaviours. This could include programmes aimed at enhancing resilience in young people or teaching healthier coping strategies that can help them regulate their emotions. Currently, mental health education lessons in the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum aim to equip students with knowledge and skills to manage their emotions, differentiate normal stress from distress or mental illnesses, and to seek help when needed. It is also important to improve awareness and knowledge of the issue on a broader societal level, researchers said, as self-harming behaviour is often associated with shame and stigma, and young people may often choose to keep quiet about it. Dr Swapna said parents and caregivers may not realise that it is an issue, as teenagers tend to hide their self-harm, often carrying it out in secrecy due to shame or fear of disapproval. Knowing more about non-suicidal self-injury and the warning signs to look out for, like unexplained cuts or bruises, frequent isolation, or sudden mood changes, can help parents and caregivers respond more appropriately, she added. 'Invalidating the young person's struggles or being judgmental strains the relationship and may be distressing to someone already struggling with self-harm. 'Instead, it is important to create a space where the teen feels safe to talk, to listen without judgment, and to help him or her acquire new skills to process and regulate emotions, and cope with stressors.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
National News
28-03-2025
- Business
- National News
BTA Is Most Approved Institution whose Leadership Is Elected by Parliament, Global Metrics Finds in Survey Commissioned by the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives
NNA - The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is the most approved institution among those whose leaderships are elected by Parliament, Global Metrics found in a nationally representative survey commissioned by the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives (BILI). The poll probed public attitudes to the election of single-person and collegial authorities elected by the National Assembly. A total of 92.6% of Bulgarians are familiar with BTA's activity, according to the results of the survey. Of those polled, 81.2% assess the agency's operation positively, and 17.9% negatively. The findings come from a nationally representative survey of public attitudes to the election of single-person and collegial authorities elected by the National Assembly. The survey was commissioned by the Bulgarian Institute for Legal Initiatives conducted between March 17 and 25, 2025 by Global Metrics among 1,000 adult Bulgarians, using face-to-face tablet-assisted personal interviewing in a two-stage cluster sampling. The general public vary in their assessments of the work of the collective bodies elected by the National Assembly, the Institute writes. The most popular ones include the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), the National Social Security Institute (NSSI), the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), the Commission for Personal Data Protection (CPDP), the National Ombudsman, BTA, the Bulgarian National Audit Office (BNAO), the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC), the Commission on Protection of Competition (CPC), and the Council for Electronic Media (CEM). The most approved ones include the Bulgarian News Agency, the National Ombudsman (72.4% positive assessments), and the NSSI (71.9%), the survey found. Those surveyed are most familiar with the activity of the NHIF (96.1%), the NSSI (95.8%), EWRC (93.2%), the CPDP (93%), the Ombudsman institution (92.9%), the BNAO (91.9%), the FSC (88.9%), the CPC (88.4%), the CEM (85.1%), and the Commission for Protection against Discrimination (82.6%). The least familiar institutions are the Economic and Social Council (36.5% are familiar with its activity), the Commission for Public Oversight of Statutory Auditors (37.4%), and the Public Enterprises and Control Agency (51.2%). According to 46.3% of respondents, civil society must share in the procedure for election of bodies by the National Assembly and, to this end, civic organizations should be able to nominate candidates for office. Another 24.6% are of the opinion that independent civic organizations should set up a commission to assess candidates, and according to 22.4% non-governmental organizations should be able to ask questions and express opinions during candidates' hearings. As few as 7% believe that civil society should not intervene in the process, the analysts comment. At the same time, just 11% say they follow closely and in detail developments in this area, while 47% are interested only in most general terms, whereas 42.2% are not interested at all, BILI adds. The lack of public focus on this parliamentary activity is accompanied by high public scepticism about the result of the procedures. A total of 82% assume that the electees will be persons close to the political parties, 77% believe that the electees or appointees would serve the interests of political parties, and 74% expect numerous delays and rows in the election process. In the final analysis, nearly two-thirds (64%) say that an election may fail altogether. ===========
