Myths

1) People cut to get attention.- Wrong, Self-injurers NEED attention, they don’t do it for attention. In fact most self-injurers don't want others to know about what they have done.

2) Self-injurers are attempting suicide.-Wrong, most self-injurers aren't trying to kill them self, they are simply trying to get rid of indescribable feelings or a build up of anger or sadness. Although some self-injurers might use it as a way of suicide, but not the majority.

3) The wound isn't "that bad"; therefore the problem isn't that serious.-Wrong, You can't judge the intensity of a person's emotional distress by the severity of a self-inflicted cut or wound.

4) Only teenage girls self-injure.-Wrong! All sorts of people feel out of control with their emotions and don't know how to cope.

5) People who self-injure are crazy and should be checked into a mental institution.-Wrong, That would just make matters worse because they cut because they have no control over their feelings, or things in their life and that would make them feel like they have less control.

6) They are doing such things to manipulate people.-Possible, Some try to manipulate others but MOST do not. They usually don't want others to act differently with them if they know. But either way you need to help them.

7) Self harmer's are a danger to others.-Wrong, Self harm is an action not done in public. It’s not to harm other people but to help them self.

8) People who self-harm do not feel the pain.-Wrong, for some, pain may not be felt immediately, during the actual process of self-injury, but they feel pain afterward. One main reason it is done is for the pain, which releases the endorphins which makes them feel better.

9) There is nothing you can do to help a self-injurer. They need more than your friendship, they need professional help. -Way Off! Your friendship to them may be more useful to them than professional help, which is also needed.

10) Self-injurers fall into a certain type of "clique,” culture, or socio-economic status.-False, Self-injurious behavior can happen to anyone. Also saying that they are of a clique or culture is wrong. Most people who self-injure are good at hiding it. So you would have never guessed they have self injured.