Common myths about self-harm

Self-injury is being talked about more openly, but myths still abound. Among the most common:

• They do it to get attention: While there may be a small subset who self-harm for attention, usually it is used solely as a method to cope with out-of-control feelings. Ultimately, many hide their behaviors out of shame.

• Peer pressure is the primary cause:  It’s more likely, experts say, that kids with similar patterns of coping gravitate toward one another.

• Drugs and alcohol increase the likelihood of self-injury:  Self-harm is being used as a coping tool.   However, those who self-harm may use other methods of soothing, such as drugs and alcohol.

• It’s a failed suicide attempt: Typically, self-harming behaviors are intended only to injure. While some people in crisis will consider suicide, self-harm is used to get immediate relief. It’s advised, however, that anyone with self-harming behaviors have a suicidal assessment by a professional.

• Only young people self-harm: While adolescent girls make up the largest percentage of reported self-injury, people of both genders, adolescents and adults, and of all races and socioeconomic status self-harm.