Why myths about self-harm matter

When someone intentionally hurts themselves, it is considered self-harm. Most of the time, people engage in self-harm or self-injury to try to cope with overwhelming emotional distress

The stigma around self-harm and self-injury leads to shame and embarrassment, which makes it hard for people who self-harm to get help. On top of that, people who self-injure might feel confused about what they’re feeling, and what kinds of support they need. Misinformation and myths make it increasingly difficult to find out the truths about self-injury and get the help you deserve. Debunking the common myths about self-harm can open the door to healing and balance. 

Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.

5 myths about self-harm and self-injury that deserve to be retired

• “It’s just for attention” 

Everyone copes with their emotions differently, and some people do it in less healthy ways than others. However, people who have resorted to self-harm use it as their coping mechanism to manage their emotions. They may use self-harm to regulate their emotions in various ways. This can include: 

• • Wanting to distract themselves from their true feelings 
  • Wanting to develop a sense of control over their life 

• Feeling the need to punish themselves for a perceived fault  
• Trying to feel something if they’re emotionally numb

Self-harm is rarely about seeking attention. It is more often a way to manage internal emotional pain or to express feelings that feel otherwise inexpressible. Many individuals go to great lengths to hide their injuries. 

• “Only teenagers do this.” 

Even though self-harm is more likely to begin in early adult or teenage years, this is a myth. There are records of people of all ages who struggle with self-injury, not just teenagers. However, self-harm is more common among people who: 

• Were abused or went through a trauma as children
• Have mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and some personality disorders 
• Misuse substances 
• Are around people who self-harm
• Have low self-esteem 

• “If you’re not cutting, it doesn’t count” 

Self-harm is not only visible scars or bruises from using a sharp object on the body. Self-harm can also look like burning or hitting oneself, or hair-pulling. Those struggling with self-harm might frequently have cuts, bruises, or scars on them. They might also wear long pants and shirts, even in hot weather to hide their scars. Another way of hiding their injuries might include making excuses, or lying about how they got the injury. 

Self-harm is different for each and every person and is not one-size fits all. Self-harm can and will look different for each individual. The bottom line is that cutting is not the only way someone can injure themselves. 

• “It means you’re suicidal” 

Most people who self-harm aren’t attempting suicide. Self-harm can be a way to express or control distressing thoughts or feelings. Research shows an important distinction between suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Most studies find that self-harm is often undertaken to avoid suicide. 

As we mentioned above, self-harm can look like so many other things besides cutting, or even attempting to end one’s life. Other examples of self harm (that are not done with suicidal intent) can look like: 

• • Punching yourself or punching things (like a wall)
  • Burning yourself with cigarettes, matches, or candles
  • Pulling out your hair
  • Poking objects through body openings

• Breaking your bones or bruising yourself 

• “You just need more willpower to stop” 

This is another misconception attached to self-harm and self-injury. For some people, self-injury can be like an addiction, and for them, it can be really challenging to stop. Some evidence shows us that self-harm can promote the release of endorphins in the body, which can make it addicting. This can be why some people need compassionate therapeutic work, to get to a path of recovery. 

How a mental health professional can help you unlearn the myths

You deserve support. Even if you don’t know what you need. You deserve a supportive, understanding, nonjudgmental person who you can talk to. Sometimes, this person is a trusted friend or family member. Other times, this is a trained professional, like a therapist or psychologist. 

It is normal to need help, and asking for help is a courageous act. 

As we’ve touched on, people with other underlying mental health disorders are more likely to engage in self-harm. For some people, when depression and anxiety lead to a tornado of emotions, they turn to self-harm looking for a release. Psychotherapists can help you get to the root cause of your trauma or experience, opening up a path to recovery. 

How Lightfully can support your recovery

Lightfully utilizes a Precision Care Model (PCM) which focuses on creating individualized treatment plans, focusing on each person’s own needs. Because of this, our PCM allows us to take our evidence-based, clearly driven, and data-defined approaches and tailor them to each client’s specific needs, such as how they self-harm. 

With four levels of care, and a Short-Term Care Option Lightfully has the right option out there for everyone. Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.