Targeted action is needed from the Government and the HSE to stop the inexplicable rise of cases of self-harm among teenage girls and vulnerable groups, a youth mental health expert has said. The team analysed data from the Planet Youth Ireland project from schools in six counties. The RCSI professor of psychiatric epidemiology and youth mental health said: "We knew something was happening, but this is the first time we’ve shown it in school children." She is hopeful for action, including better support for youth mental health charity Jigsaw as well as Camhs (child and adolescent mental health services). “There is now a youth mental health office in the HSE.

Source: Irish Examiner January 31, 2026 05:30 UTC