Debunking Common Myths About Self-Harm and Its Reality

Self-harm is often misunderstood, leading to harmful myths and stereotypes. These misconceptions can prevent people from seeking help and can cause misunderstandings among professionals, family, and friends. Here are some common myths about self-harm and the truths behind them:

1.Myth: Self-harm is attention-seeking.

Truth: Many people who self-harm do not talk about their struggles and find it difficult to ask for help.

2. Myth: Certain types of people self-harm.

Truth: Self-harm is not limited to any specific group or subculture; it can affect people from all backgrounds.

3 Myth: Only girls self-harm.

Truth: Self-harm behaviours are present in all gender groups, and the stereotype that only girls self-harm can make it harder for boys to seek help.

4.Myth: People who self-harm must enjoy it.

Truth: Self-harm is not about seeking pleasure but is a way to release emotional distress. The experience of pain varies among individuals.

5.Myth: People who self-harm are suicidal.

Truth: Many people who self-harm are not suicidal. For some, self-harm is a coping mechanism to survive difficult times, though it can be linked to suicidal thoughts.

Essential Points to Consider

The World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights that stigma surrounding mental disorders, self-harm, and suicide prevents many individuals from seeking help. This lack of help-seeking behaviour means that those considering or who have attempted suicide are not receiving the necessary support. The prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health issue and the taboo in many societies against discussing it openly. Currently, only a few countries have prioritised suicide prevention in their health agendas, and only 38 countries report having a national suicide prevention strategy.

#Raising community awareness and breaking down these taboos are crucial steps for you and me to make progress in preventing self- harm and suicide.