Self-harm is a complex and often misunderstood behavior that impacts individuals of all ages and backgrounds. There are many misconceptions surrounding it, contributing to stigma and isolation for people who battle with it.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2025), Self-harm is when somebody injures or harms themselves to cope with or express extreme emotional distress and internal turmoil. They do not generally intend to kill themselves, but the results can be fatal. It is important to understand the realities of self-harm to provide appropriate support and encourage open dialogue.
Common myths and facts about self-harm
Myth 1: Self-Harm Is Just Attention-Seeking
Fact: Many individuals who self-harm go to great lengths to hide their injuries, such as wearing long-sleeved clothes no matter how hurt the weather is, withdrawing from social settings to avoid questions about scars or injuries on their bodies, etc. Self-harm is often a coping mechanism for intense emotional pain rather than a plea for attention.
Myth 2: Only Teenagers Self-Harm
Fact: While self-harm is more commonly associated with adolescence, people of all ages can engage in self-injury. It can respond to overwhelming emotions, regardless of age or background.
Myth 3: Self-Harm Means Someone Wants to Die
Fact: While self-harm can be linked to suicidal thoughts, it is not always an indication of suicidal intent. Many individuals use self-harm as a way to manage distress rather than end their lives. However, any form of self-harm should be taken seriously.
Myth 4: Stopping Self-Harm Is Just About Willpower
Fact: Self-harm is often tied to deeper emotional struggles, such as trauma, depression, or anxiety. Overcoming it typically requires professional support, therapy, and healthier coping strategies, not just sheer willpower.
Myth 5: Self-Harm Means One Is Spiritually Possessed/Challenged
Fact: Self-harm is a psychological response to emotional distress, not a sign of spiritual possession or Challenge, and should be addressed with compassion and professional mental health support.
How to Support Someone Who Self-Harms
- Listen Without Passing Judgment: Avoid feeling ashamed or angry. Rather, create a secure environment where they feel supported and heard.
- Promote Professional Assistance: Refer them to a counselor or therapist, who can assist in addressing the root problems and imparting more effective coping mechanisms.
- Provide Alternatives: Gentle brings up other coping mechanisms like deep breathing, exercise, journaling, or creative activities.
- Have patience: Relapses can occur, and recovery is a process. Encourage them consistently without putting pressure on them to “just stop.”
- Learn for Yourself: You can provide more sympathetic and knowledgeable support if you have a better understanding of self-harm.
Self-harm is an indication of severe mental distress, and those who are experiencing it should be treated with compassion, understanding, and assistance. We can foster a more compassionate and encouraging atmosphere for people in need by dispelling myths and lending a helping hand.
Your mental health matters. If you are struggling with self-harm or know someone who is, do not wait–help is available. Book a therapy session today. Call 09095250384 or visit https://thesunshineseriesng.com and take the first step toward healing.