Breaking Down Misconceptions: Understanding What Self-Harm Isn’t
International Self-Injury Awareness Day is approaching. There is no time like the present to raise awareness about self-harm, reduce stigma surrounding the topic, and provide support to individuals who experience self-harm urges or behaviors. As a therapist, I want to share the most common misconceptions I often hear from folks who may not fully understand it. (Yes, there may be many barriers to understanding and that can be a blog for another day).
It's Attention-Seeking: Not true. Self-harm often serves as a coping mechanism when attempting to manage intense emotions or distressing situations. Self-harm a serious sign of emotional distress and must be taken seriously.
It's About Suicide: Self-harm action does not indicate someone is planning to end life. While self-harm can sometimes be associated with suicidal ideation, it's often a way for individuals to cope with emotional pain or express feelings they may not be able to put into words. Most people who self-harm are not attempting suicide.
It's Limited to Cutting: Self-harm is not limited to cutting. While cutting is a common form of self-injury, it can take many other forms, including scratching, picking at skin, burning, or head banging. It's important to understand the intention behind the behavior when considering if the action is self-harm or not.
It's Just a Phase: Some people may believe that self-harm is just a phase that individuals will grow out of over time. Ignoring or dismissing self-harm can exacerbate the underlying issues.
It's Always Visible: Not all self-harm injuries or scars are visible. Some individuals may self-harm in places that are not easily seen, such as thighs, stomach, or upper arms, making it harder to detect. Additionally, individuals may go to great lengths to hide their self-harm behaviors due to shame or fear of judgment.
Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for providing support and empathy to individuals who experience self-harm urges and behaviors. It's important to approach the topic with compassion, open-mindedness, and a willingness to listen without judgment.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services at 911 or reaching out to a trained mental health professional for support and guidance. Your well-being matters, and help is available.
