Self-harm and older people: Support booklets
NHS GM working with the Mature Minds Matter lived experience group, have produced two booklets to support older adults who may self harm and the loved ones and professionals caring for them.
It is well documented that older people are less likely to access mental health support than younger adults and that self-harm is commonly thought to be experienced mainly by younger adults. However, older people may also experience self-harm, with both similarities and differences compared to younger people; older people who self-harm are more likely to end their life by suicide and less likely to receive support around their self-harming behaviour.
These two booklets provide information about what is meant by self-harm, how this might look different for older people, reasons it might be difficult to talk about self-harm and where people can get support. The booklet for professional carers and loved ones also gives information on how to talk to older people about self-harm.
