What is Self-Harm?
Self-harm is when someone intentionally hurts themselves as a way of coping with difficult or overwhelming emotions. This can include cutting, burning, hitting, or other forms of physical injury.
It's important to understand that self-harm is not a suicide attempt, but rather a way for someone to express or manage emotional pain. However, it can be dangerous and lead to serious physical harm.
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, it's important to seek help.
There are also a number of myths around self-harm. Let's bust them.
What Are The Myths?
Self-Harm is Just 'Attention Seeking'
Not only is this untrue, it stops people from seeking and receiving support.
Self-harm is usually very private and people who are self-harming normally trying to keep it a secret.
It's about expression, not attention.
Even if this WERE true—isn't that worrying? Why is somebody doing this for attention? We all need attention sometimes.
It Means You're 'Crazy'
Sometimes, self-harming behaviours are linked to a diagnosed mental health condition. However, for most young people, self-harm is a way to express emotional distress, which anyone can experience.
Around 1 in 10 young people have a mental health disorder. If you're diagnosed, remember it's nothing to be ashamed of. Don't hesitate to ask questions if the terminology is confusing, and keep in mind that a label doesn't define you as a person.
Boys Don't Self-Harm
Boys experience emotional struggles just as much as girls do. They feel hurt, sadness, and need ways to express these emotions.
Boys often feel uncomfortable admitting they self-harm or expressing their feelings because society often associates these experiences with women. However, this is not true. Many boys struggle with self-harm and other emotional challenges, so it's definitely not "weird" to be one of them.
Some boys might not identify with the concept of self-harm if their methods differ from the more commonly known cutting. Remember, self-harm can take many forms and include any kind of destructive behaviour towards one's own body. It's crucial not to overlook people or actions simply because they don't fit the stereotypes.
Only "Emos" Self-Harm
Self-harm can affect anybody, regardless of sex, gender, style, musical taste, academic ability or any other category.
It is also unhelpful to assume that people who mix in a particular crowd are likely to self-harm. We need to remember that people are individuals with a whole range of tastes and motivations and behaviours.
Talking About Self-Harm Is Dangerous
Making a subject “taboo” only creates barriers between people and also barriers to support.
Young people will be hearing about self-harm from somewhere. It is important that in amongst that they have access to the right kind of information that will give them the facts, keep them safe and direct them to the best kind of support.
I Am Thinking About Starting Self-Harming
It's really hard to acknowledge that these thoughts are happening for you—it's very brave for you to do so.
There is a lot of help available. The first step is to talk to somebody about what is going on for you. When you do this. you can start to figure out a way to recover from what is happening for you. That isn't to say you should feel any shame: we all struggle sometimes. Look at Helplines and Services that are available.
If you have already started self-harming and need some ideas on what to do now, check the button below: