TW: Self-harm
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Since this is more common in teenagers, thought I’ll talk about it here.
What actually counts as self-harm?
A lot of people think self-harm only means cutting. That’s not true. Self-harm means intentionally hurting yourself, usually as a way of dealing with overwhelming emotions or distress. It doesn’t always mean that the person wants to die.
Cutting, burning, hitting yourself and other forms of hurting yourself can come under self-harm. Not all self-harm leaves visible or permanent marks either. So sometimes people might not even realise that what they’re doing is self-harm, especially if they haven’t really been exposed to conversations about it.
Another common thing people say is that someone is “just doing it for attention.”
Even if someone is trying to get attention, that doesn’t mean their pain isn’t real. Sometimes what people call “attention-seeking” is actually a way of asking for help, connection, or for someone to notice that they’re struggling.
A lot of people also hide their scars or what they’re going through because they’re scared of being judged, questioned, punished or treated differently.
So if you notice a friend struggling, don’t immediately call them dramatic or mock them. You don’t have to know exactly what to say. Just letting them know that they can talk to you without being judged can mean a lot.
Self-harm is serious and can cause physical and emotional problems. It needs support, not shame.
If you’re struggling with self-harm, please try telling a trusted adult, counsellor, teacher, doctor or someone who can help you stay safe. You don’t have to wait until it becomes “serious enough” to ask for help.
Also, self-harm and suicide attempts aren’t the same thing. Self-harm doesn’t always mean that someone wants to die, but it can happen along with suicidal thoughts. A suicide attempt specifically involves the intention to die.
TL;DR: Self-harm isn’t only cutting, and it shouldn’t be dismissed as “attention-seeking.” If someone is hurting themselves, they’re struggling and deserve support instead of judgment.
(Image related because that reminded me to write this and the image is from the movie Little Miss Sunshine nalla padam ann🚶🏻)