Self-Harm Cases Among Swedish Teenage Girls Double Since 2015

Recent statistics from Sweden's Socialstyrelsen reveal a worrying doubling in the number of girls aged 12 to 15 requiring hospital care due to self-harm since 2015. This increase includes both suicide attempts and other intentional injuries, often treated through poisoning. Medical expert Ylva Ginsberg highlights that although self-harm is not new, the rapid rise among young girls lacks clear explanations. Psychologist Maria Zetterqvist connects this surge to the growing psychological distress among youth, noting that around 20% of teenage girls engage in non-suicidal self-harm behaviors, often as attempts to control overwhelming emotions like sadness and shame during a critical period of emotional development.

Zetterqvist stresses the importance of emotional management rather than elimination, encouraging open conversations about feelings with trusted individuals. Social media is identified as a significant negative influence on young women's mental health, increasing the need for proper attention to basic life needs such as quality sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Johanna Sigfridsson, who has personally experienced self-destructive behaviors, advocates for greater awareness and improved responses to these issues.

A critical concern is the inadequate follow-up care after hospital discharge, with research showing only 15% of patients receive timely support, even though self-harm is a strong predictor of suicide, especially shortly after hospitalization. This gap in care underscores the urgent need for improved post-hospital support to prevent further harm among these vulnerable young girls.