Sass, C orcid.org/0000-0001-5155-903X, Farley, K and Brennan, C orcid.org/0000-0002-5258-8497 (2022) “They have more than enough to do than patch up people like me.” Experiences of seeking support for self-harm in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 29 (4). pp. 544-554. ISSN 1351-0126
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
National lockdown caused disruption to health services and third-sector organizations offering support to people who self-harm. Early reports suggested self-harm-related hospital attendances declined. Lack of knowledge related to the availability and accessibility of support provisions for people who self-harm warrants exploration into how they experienced help-seeking during lockdown.
4.2 Aims
This study aimed to explore the experiences of people who self-harm and perspectives on help-seeking.
4.3 Method
We conducted a qualitative study based on telephone and email interviews with 14 people who self-harm in England.
4.4 Results
Participants identified challenges to coping with life in lockdown, emphasizing the role of self-harm. Help-seeking was impeded by feeling like a burden and potential for spreading the virus. People who self-harm exercised self-reliance in response to “stay home” messaging, but some may have struggled without formal support. Online support served an important role in continuity of care during lockdown but could widen inequalities from limited resources and access.
4.5 Implications for practice
Helping mental health liaison nurses to understand the experiences of people who self-harm during lockdown is critical to providing continuing support to this population. Services should consider how and when they communicate changes to their provisions to the public, and the impact this will have on those in need of support.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
---|---|
Authors/Creators: |
|
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2022 The Authors. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. |
Keywords: | COVID-19, help-seeking, mental health, online, qualitative, self-harm |
Dates: |
|
Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Medicine (Leeds) > Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (Leeds) > Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 22 Nov 2022 15:47 |
Last Modified: | 22 Nov 2022 15:47 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Wiley |
Identification Number: | 10.1111/jpm.12834 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:193531 |