One in nine young people in Scotland have attempted suicide and one in six have self-harmed, according to a study by Glasgow University.

It has revealed an "alarming and concerning" link between self-harm and suicide, with the first episode of self-harm tending to precede the first suicide attempt by about two years.

A representative sample of 3,500 people aged 18 to 34 were interviewed from across Scotland for the study.

It also found that just over one in 20 had attempted suicide and also engaged in non-suicidal self-harm.

Females engaged in self-harm and attempted suicide at a younger age than males.


The age of onset of self-harming and suicide attempts was younger in females, and the earlier the onset the more frequent the self-harming and attempts at suicide, the study found.

:: My tattoo hides the scars from years of self-harm

Image: Professor Rory O'Connor is the author of the study

While the link between self-harm and suicide has long been recognised, the new study provides detailed figures and analysis.

The report author, Professor Rory O'Connor, told Sky News: "This is the first study of its kind ever conducted in the UK focused on young people, and trying to understand the rates of self-harm and suicide attempts in 18 to 34-year-olds.

"Sadly, it's relatively common and that's alarming, that's concerning.

"It's a complicated relationship. We don't know exactly how self-harm and suicide interrelate, but what we do know is if you engage in any form of injurious behaviour - suicide attempts or self-harm where you're not at all suicidal - is that your risk of suicide in the future is increased.



"The key message is that often people who engage in self-harm also attempt suicide and vice-versa. It's important that when we think about how we might intervene that we recognise that complexity.



"If you are a clinician, a loved one or a family member and you're concerned about someone, always ask them how they're feeling.

"Ask them, 'are you self-harming, have you been suicidal?' Because what we do know is that asking people is a first step to getting help."

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can also call Samaritans for help on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.