The Hidden Crisis: When Speech & Language Differences Fuel Self-Harm Risk

Many people take being fluent for granted or don’t even think about it. You chat, joke, ask questions, order a coffee, and go about your day without a second thought.
But for people with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), that’s an entirely different story. Every word can feel like a mountain, every conversation a risk. And for some, that constant struggle to be understood can lead to something far more serious: self harm and suicidal thoughts.

At Vocal Voyage, we believe every voice matters and every story deserves to be heard safely. Yet too often, young people with SLCN face the opposite: silence, isolation, and misunderstanding.

Why This Needs Spotlight

Speech and language difficulties aren’t just communication issues. They can deeply shape how someone experiences the world, how they connect, how they’re treated, and how they see themselves. Emerging research reveals just how severe the impact can be.

Young people with speech, language and communication needs are around twice as likely to experience poor mental health compared to their fluent peers. They’re also twice as likely to self harm or have suicidal thoughts, showing how powerfully communication challenges can affect wellbeing for example:

• Children with speech sound disorders at age 8 have double the risk of suicidal self harm in their teens, even when other factors are considered.

• Those with social communication difficulties are more likely to experience self harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide plans by age 16, with depressive symptoms often acting as the link.

• Young people referred to mental health services are around three times more likely to also have higher order language disorders, showing just how common communication needs are among those already struggling.

When you can’t find the words to explain your feelings, or people dismiss you before you finish a sentence, it’s not just frustrating. It’s painful, isolating, and over time, it can turn into despair.

Why Does SLCN Increase Risk?

It’s not that communication needs cause self harm, but the pathways are painfully clear.

1. Social isolation. When communication breaks down, friendships can too. Feeling misunderstood becomes a daily norm.
2. Low confidence and frustration. Constant correction or teasing can make young people feel “less than” their peers.
3. Emotional burden. Research shows depression is a key bridge between SLCN and self harm, emotional distress built on years of struggle.
4. Barriers to getting help. Many mental health services still rely heavily on talking therapies, which can unintentionally exclude those with communication needs.

The Stakes Are Real

The rise in self harm among young people is stark.
Self harm rates in the UK have increased from 6.4% in 2014 to 10.3% in 2023/24.
Among 16–24 year olds, nearly one in three young women and one in six young men report having self harmed.

For those living with SLCN, the risk is even higher, not because their lives are harder by choice, but because the world often isn’t built to understand them.

Vocal Voyage: A Safe Place to Be Heard

That’s why Vocal Voyage exists.

We’ve built a charity that provides safe, inclusive spaces for young people aged 11–24 with speech and language difficulties, places where they can build confidence, connect with others, and be heard without fear of judgment or pressure to speak perfectly.

Here’s what that looks like.
• Mentoring and youth groups designed for young people with SLCN using visuals, games, and flexible communication.
• Peer connection that reduces loneliness and builds belonging.
• Training for professionals to make their services communication friendly.
• Signposting and safeguarding, ensuring no young person faces a crisis alone.

We’re not therapists, but we work alongside NHS services and speech and language therapists to make sure young people get the right help in a way that makes sense for them.

A Message to Take Away

If you communicate easily, be grateful and be kind to those who can’t.
If you struggle to speak or to find your words, know that your voice still matters. You don’t need to be fluent to be understood, and you’re never alone.

Because at Vocal Voyage, we believe a safe place to be heard can change everything.

If You Need Help

If you struggle to communicate and want some help or just need someone to listen, visit www.vocalvoyage.org to find out how we can support you.

Alternatively, here are some useful links for immediate mental health support:

💛 Samaritans (UK & ROI): Call 116 123 – free and confidential 24/7
💬 Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free, confidential support at any time
🚨 In an emergency, call 999 if someone is in immediate danger