Hamilton public health classifies ‘self-harm’ as an event attempting to harm oneself through negative behaviour but not necessarily with the intention to produce a life-ending outcome. The number was almost double what public health recorded more than a decade ago in 2009, when the annual rate was around one visit per 1,000. It includes Ministry of Health-funded child and adolescent services providing counselling services for children and youth up to 17 years of age. “The consequence of public health measures put in place to mitigate the spread and severity of the virus — for example, lockdowns, workplace closures and service disruptions — have further negatively impacted many Canadians’ mental health, particularly those who use drugs,” said Prieto. For a directory of support services in your area, visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention at suicideprevention.ca.
Continue reading...
