The youth arm of the Nationalist Party (MZPN) has called on the authorities to raise awareness about the problem of self-harm, today being self-harm awareness day.

In a statement, it said all stereotypes should be fought, including that surrounding self-harm and related conditions that might lead to similar situations.

“It is an issue which is more common than the public may perceive it to be especially in youths,” it said as it called on the authorities to do whatever was possible to help to all who suffered from this and similar problems to encourage victims to open up about their problem.

This, the MZPN said, involved tackling confidentiality issues which victims might see as hurdles to seeking help.

Self-harm Awareness Day should be used as an impetus to seek awareness to be raised on specific hotlines and specially-dedicated emergency response centres which can give comfort to those in need, when most needing help.

“We cannot afford to have young people believing they are on their own when facing such situations. And most of all, we cannot afford to have young people soliciting help from the wrong sources, even if without any ill intent.

“Such issues have to be acknowledged and tackled rather than be somewhat hidden or indirectly resulting in a matter which victims feel that they should hide instead of seeking support,” it said.