The latest Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Bulletin produced by the Mersey Care Evidently Better team is now available.
In this issue:
Three Dads’ pride at suicide prevention lessons in schools
Provisional patient suicide data (2012-2024)
Effects of sandplay group therapy on children at risk of suicidal ideation
Suicide prevention starts before the crisis: intervention guidelines for university students
Work stress and its association with suicidal ideation, health and presenteeism during the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional study in the UK health and university workforce
Plus much more
If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, England 2023/4
NHS Digital
The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) series provides data on the prevalence of both treated and untreated psychiatric disorder in the English adult population (aged 16 and over). This survey is the fifth in a series and was conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, in collaboration with the University of Leicester and City St George’s, University of London, for NHS England.
Highlights included:
Increased prevalence across a range of indicators of poor mental health-The proportion of 16 to 64 year olds, identified with a common mental health condition, increased from 17.6% in 2007 and 18.9% in 2014, to 22.6% in 2023/4. The proportion was higher in women than men at each point. Lifetime non-suicidal self-harm was reported by 3.8% of 16 to 74 year olds in 2007, rising to 6.4% in 2014 and 10.3% in 2023/4 – Similarly, the proportion of adults screening positive for ADHD rose from 8.2% in 2007 and 9.7% in 2014, to 13.9% in 2023/4.
Young adults remain a key group– The proportion of young adults (aged 16 to 24), with a common mental health condition, rose from 17.5% in 2007 to 25.8% in 2023/4. Younger adults were also more likely to report lifetime non-suicidal self-harm and to screen positive for PTSD and ADHD than older age groups.
Socioeconomic inequalities in mental health persist– Adults with problem debt and those who were not in employment were more likely to have a common mental health condition, report lifetime non-suicidal self-harm and to screen positive for PTSD. Living in the most deprived fifth of areas was associated with increased prevalence of common mental health conditions, suicide attempts and PTSD.
Physical and mental health were strongly related– People with a doctor diagnosed physical health condition, that limited their activities, were more likely to have a common mental health condition, report non-suicidal self-harm and screen positive for PTSD.
Mental health treatment use increased in prevalence– The proportion of 16 to 74 year olds, with common mental health condition symptoms (CIS-R 12+), reporting receipt of treatment rose from 24.4% in 2007 and 39.4% in 2014, to 47.7% in 2023/4. Receipt of psychological therapies, among those with symptoms (CIS-R 12+), rose from 10.4% in 2007 to 17.9% in 2023/4; and receipt of medication rose from 19.6% in 2007 to 38.4% in 2023/4.
Salman Shafiq (LSCFT) shares the outcome of his research paper and key themes identified within his research. Learn about the focused group discussion among religious leaders and some members of South Asian community.
Watch the short clip above or read the article here:
A recent Cochrane review evaluated the effects of music-based therapeutic interventions on individuals with dementia. Analysing data from 30 studies involving 1,720 participants, the review found that, compared to usual care, music-based interventions probably lead to slight improvements in depressive symptoms and may reduce overall behavioural problems. However, evidence regarding benefits for agitation, emotional well-being, cognition, and long-term effects remains limited or uncertain.
These findings suggest that while music therapy can offer some benefits for people with dementia, further high-quality research is needed to fully understand its impact.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released a ground breaking analysis linking 2021 Census data with NHS records, revealing that adults identifying as LGB+ in England and Wales face significantly higher rates of self-harm and suicide compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
Key Findings:
The age-standardised rate of intentional self-harm for LGB+ individuals was 1,508.9 per 100,000 people between March 2021 and December 2023, compared to 598.4 per 100,000 for heterosexual individuals.
The suicide rate among LGB+ adults stood at 50.3 per 100,000 people, more than double the rate of 23.1 per 100,000 observed in heterosexual adults.
Bisexual individuals exhibited the highest self-harm rates within the LGB+ group, at 1,669.5 per 100,000 people.
The risk of self-harm was notably higher among LGB+ females, with a rate 2.8 times greater than that of heterosexual females.
Young adults aged 16 to 24 identifying as LGB+ had a self-harm rate 2.8 times higher than their heterosexual peers.
These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health support and suicide prevention strategies within the LGB+ community.
The World Health Organization’s 2025 World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity highlights the persistent health disparities driven by factors like income, education, housing, and discrimination. The report emphasizes that without targeted, equity-focused policies, these gaps will continue to widen.
It urges governments and institutions to implement structural changes that address the root causes of health inequities, advocating for cross-sector collaboration and inclusive policy-making.
The latest Eating Disorder Bulletin is now available to view or download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May 2025) focuses on community—a reminder that connection, support, and belonging are essential for good mental health. Being part of a strong, supportive community helps us feel safe, valued, and less alone.
The week encourages open conversations about mental health, reduces stigma, and promotes resources to support wellbeing. It’s a great time to reflect on how we can strengthen the connections around us and be there for one another.
