Around 25 cases of self-harm are recorded on average at hospital emergency departments in Northern Ireland every day, new statistics show.
It amounts to more than 45,000 self-harm incidents presented at A&Es in five years, according to the latest figures from the Public Health Agency.
Northern Ireland's mental health champion said the figures represent the "tip of a huge iceberg of psychological pain, crisis and often, mental illness in our society".
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Professor Siobhan O'Neill said: "People who self-harm and those who attempt suicide need to be treated with compassion and timely, evidence-based interventions. All too often this is not the case in Northern Ireland.
"Self-harm is a way of coping with overwhelming pressure and pain, and is, for some, a way of staying alive. However it increases the risk of death by suicide and it is vital that services are equipped to meet the needs of these very vulnerable individuals."
A total of 45,168 cases of self-harm were recorded at hospital emergency departments between 2015/16 and 2019/20.
The Belfast Trust area had the most cases with 12,677, followed by the Western Trust at 9,209, the Northern Trust at 9,207, the Southern Trust at 7,920 and the South Eastern Trust at 6,155.
Independent MLA Claire Sugden, who received the figures in response to a written Assembly question, described the scale of the problem as "horrific".
She acknowledged the work of Stormont's health department but expressed concern over the continued lack of a fully functioning devolved government to help tackle the issue.
She said: "I think it's indicative of the wider issues that we have in Northern Ireland that frankly only an Executive can fix.
"These issues will not be fixed overnight. It is a shame that we are finding ourselves in this situation.
"We really need to get back to focusing on the issues on the ground."
The East Londonderry MLA added: "It's too late to address the symptoms of it. We have to understand why it's happening in the first place. It requires an Executive to do something."
Health Minister Robin Swann last year launched a new 10-year mental health strategy for Northern Ireland.
Prof O'Neill said the strategy is currently being implemented and includes actions to "improve crisis-intervention services, to provide a compassionate response and seamless access to interventions".
But she said extra funding is needed to continue rolling out the plans, adding: "I am concerned that these funds have not yet been secured.
"I continue to call on our leaders to prioritise suicide prevention and mental health services and work to deliver the early intervention and prevention actions that will reduce the toll of suffering."
Tom McEneaney from Aware, a charity which supports people with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, said: "This scale of self-harm in our community is of great concern and reflects the high rates of mental ill-health here in Northern Ireland."
He urged Stormont leaders to put mental health "at the top of their agenda" by giving the 10-year strategy "the full funding it needs to be implemented".
He added: "We would urge anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression to reach out and talk to someone about it. Whether it's your GP, a friend or family member, telling someone is the first step towards getting help.
"You can call Aware for advice or come along to one of our support groups. Visit aware-ni.org to find out more."
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