A new Lancet Commission on self-harm, co-authored by Mel Ball, Director for Lived Experience at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), was published on October 10th to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The report addresses the widespread issue of self-harm, revealing that at least 14 million episodes occur each year, though the true figure is likely higher. It highlights how self-harm affects people across different societies, particularly young people, and emphasises the need for greater understanding and support. The Commission calls for more compassionate care, increased awareness, and improved access to resources to help those affected by self-harm worldwide.
Insights from Mel Ball on The Lancet Commission on Self-Harm
Mel Ball, Director for Lived Experience at Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, has been deeply involved in the development of The Lancet Commission on Self-Harm. From her dual perspectives - both professional and personal - Mel reflects on the significance of the project:
"I’m delighted to finally be able to share this work, and feel immensely grateful to have been invited to work alongside colleagues for such a significant and ground-breaking international project. For lived experience voices, indigenous wisdom, and low and middle-income countries’ perspectives to be formally recognised and positioned with equal importance as those writing from more traditional academic and medical perspectives in the West feels ground-breaking.
And of course, to have been a contributor to this commission as someone who lived a life affected by self-harm for many years myself feels very special. Celebrating the publication’s arrival really reinforces the gratitude I feel for the people and services that supported my recovery to begin, and for the unique and magical learning that peer support offers to everyone who participates in it.
I feel indebted to the folk who allowed me to be alongside them in the dark moments of their stories; and for the deep learning they perhaps didn’t realise they were supporting me to forge in those moments. I hope anyone who engages with the commission enjoys reading it – and please do reach out if you find it interesting and fancy a nerdy natter, I could talk about it all day!"
Learn More and Get Involved
We encourage everyone to explore The Lancet Commission on Self-Harm and its comprehensive approach to self-harm prevention and recovery. As well as being able to access to Commission online, it will also be published in The Lancet on 11th October (publication here.) For any questions or if you would like to discuss the publication further, please feel free to contact us at research@mpft.nhs.uk
For those in need of mental health support, MPFT offers a wide range of services. You can learn more about our mental health services here.
Additionally, for helpful resources related to mental health, please visit the Mental Health Foundation here.