Ep: 140 Self Harm Panel Talk

Ep: 140 Self Harm Panel Talk

Author: Karl O Rourke February 23, 2026 Duration: 35:34
In this second panel of Higher Conversations Ireland, we focus on one of the most urgent and heartbreaking trends of the last decade: Why are rates of self-harm among teenage girls rising so sharply? Since around 2010, there has been a significant increase in self-harm among young girls in Ireland — a trend that closely tracks the rise of image-based social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. According to the National Suicide Research Foundation (2010–2022): • Self-harm increased significantly among girls aged 10–17 • Girls aged 15–19 had a self-harm rate more than three times higher than boys of the same age This panel explores the cultural, social, and digital pressures shaping the lives of young women today — and what can realistically be done to support them. Topics Discussed: 🔹 Why are so many teenage girls self-harming — and what would actually help reduce it? 🔹 The impact of online harassment, image-based abuse, and reputational attacks 🔹 The findings of the “Behind the Screens” report (2021) 🔹 Body image pressure, disordered eating, and social comparison culture 🔹 How parents can recognise warning signs — and avoid unintentionally making things worse 🔹 What message we would give to a young girl struggling right now This is a serious, honest conversation about social media, youth culture, parental responsibility, and the mental health of the next generation. If you are a parent, educator, policymaker — or a young woman navigating this world — this discussion matters. 🔔 Subscribe to Higher Conversations Ireland for more in-depth panel discussions, interviews, and real conversations about the issues shaping Ireland today. 📢 Join the conversation in the comments and share your thoughts.

Hosted by Karl O Rourke, Hard Conversations Ireland is built on the belief that the most interesting paths often lead through topics we’re conditioned to skirt around. This isn’t a lecture series or a polite chat; it’s a space where genuine curiosity drives the dialogue, whether the guest is a renowned athlete, a business leader navigating a crisis, or someone with a profoundly personal story to tell. You’ll hear discussions that move seamlessly from the practicalities of physical fitness and the mechanics of the business world to the nuanced realities of social issues and personal growth. The common thread is a commitment to depth, to sitting with an idea long enough to uncover its layers, even when it feels uncomfortable. By asking the questions that often go unspoken, this podcast creates a rare kind of clarity. Each episode offers a unique perspective, but they all share a raw, exploratory energy that challenges listeners to think a little harder about the world and their place in it. Tune in for conversations that are as educational as they are unpredictable, proving that the most valuable insights frequently lie just beyond the edge of easy small talk.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Uneducated PT
Podcast Episodes
#71 Alycia Thompson Ward  Women's Health Surgery Coach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:03
🎙️ In this episode of The Uneducated PT Podcast, we sit down with Alycia to talk about the power of mindset when life doesn’t go to plan. She opens up about how she reframed one of the toughest seasons of her life — incl…
#70 Ciaran Russell / Fertility, Frustration, and Finding Strength [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:55
In this episode of The Uneducated PT Podcast, we sit down with Ciaran Russell for a powerful, honest conversation about fertility. From sperm analysis to treatment options, we dive into what the journey looks like for co…
#69 Matt Jones / How To Be A Runner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:51
In this episode of the podcast we speak to Matt Jones who has been coaching for 13 years and helps runners improve their performance. Learn about tempo runs, what the 80/20 rules is, what runners to use, how to reduce th…
#68 Conor Nolan "Normal" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:07
Beyond writing, Conor actively promotes mental well-being. He co-founded @normalmentalwellbeing and manages @understanding_anorexia, platforms dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for those grappling with…
#67 Ryan Eveleigh / Culture Wars [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:38
My favourite guest is back and we go into some polarising topics on Only fans, masculinity, sexlessness, dating dynamics, the west and much more!
#66 Sophia Harris | Nutritionist & food relationship coach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:50
Sophia's personal journey with food and body image has been transformative. At 14, she was diagnosed with anorexia, which later evolved into binge eating and bulimia, accompanied by anxiety. After a decade-long struggle,…
Ep.65 - Chloe Shortman The Shy Girl [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:46
Chloe is a fitness coach who shares her journey and expertise on her Instagram account, @trainwitharcadia.She focuses on fitness and productivity, offering insights and tips to help her audience achieve their health and…
Ep.64 - Sean Corcoran Ex Divorce Attorney Turned Pro Life Speaker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48:03
In this episode, we sit down with Sean Corcoran, a multifaceted individual whose life seamlessly blends faith, family, and advocacy. As a devout Catholic, dedicated husband and father of five. Sean's personal journey off…
Ep.63 - Sam Grover Strength Coach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:24
In this episode, we sit down with strength coach Sam Grover to dive deep into the world of coaching, strength training, and athlete development. Sam shares his insights on building strength, effective coaching strategies…
Ep.62 - Thomas Woodcock - Tommys Cancer Journey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:44:01
In this episdoe of the Uneducated PT Podcast we speak to Wicklow Man Tomas Woodcock about his inspiring and insightful page documenting his cancer jounrey.