Self-harming is a taboo topic for many, as we do not understand why anybody would want to deliberately cut up their body. Self-harming is a way to cope, something that makes a person feel better about themselves or their situation. It is not a choice; it is a way to cope.
Self-harm (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In a recent study of over 4000 self-harming adults in hospital, 80% had overdosed and around 15% had cut themselves
About 1 in 10 young people will self-harm at some point
About 3 in 100 people who self-harm over 15 years will actually kill themselves
8 Self-harming Myths
Self-Harmers are attention seekers; many self-harmers cut in places that others cannot see, they keep their self-harming very private and do so in secret.
Self-Harmers want to kill themselves; self-harmers cut because it helps them to cope, they are not trying to commit suicide
Only teens self-harm; self-harming can affect any age group, it is not just something teenagers do
Self-Harmers could stop if they wanted; self-harming is addictive and a coping strategy and it is difficult to stop
Self- Harmers cut themselves; yes some do, but there are many other self-harming techniques also. Burning, pinching and biting to hair pulling, starvation and head-butting, are to name a few others.
Self-Harmers do it to fit in; Self-Harming is done as a way to cope with depression, distress or emotional problems. It is something that offers a quick fix to the distress they are feeling.
Self-Harmers are violent to others; Self-harmers harm themselves not others. They are very normal people who deal with their emotions in a difference way to most.
Self-Harmers are psychotic; they are no more psychotic than a woman who buys herself a bar of chocolate to make herself feel better, or having a glass of wine after a hard day at work. Self- harmers hurt themselves to make themselves feel better.
Perhaps next time you think of self-harmers you may think differently and if you don’t then I suggest you stop judging and start learning about something that effects so many.
About The Real Supermum
Really good insight, thank you.. I’ll think twice in future x
Hiya, ive self harmed. biting, scratching, putting shower on scoulding hot, or not eating.
More people should realise that these myths just aren’t true! I’ve hurt myself though cutting, pulling hair and not eating yet all you get is most people belittling you and talking to you as though you’re an attention-seeker x
Totally agree with this. So many people think that self harming is just cutting when it can actually come in so many different forms, and its not about gaining attention at all! Brilliant post x
Another fab post hun xx
I bloodlet for years. At best my arms were cut with razor blades, at my worst I could break a lightbulb and hack at my legs arms and stomach with the silver metal element guarded by four members of staff.
I had a fire in me. A fire made of anger and disgust and cutting up burned me, but it soothed me. I needed the pain, and made sure I caused myself pain. Even scratches, they burn and hurt for days. The deeper the cut the bigger the pain. Nobody could understand that It wasent about anything other than pain. I felt pain inside and it made sense to me to feel it outside. It was my way of having control over myself. How much pain I would feel.
This blog very elequently puts right. all the misconceptions. Well done xx
it’s a crying shame that many can’t put the same energy into helping people with these issues that they do judging them ! xxx
A friend of mine self harms. Her arms are all scars. It’s horrible but it’s how she copes. Thank you once again Emma!
Fab post… Do not judge others x
Those myths are ridiculous x
dont think no one should be judged fab post xxx