There are many misconceptions around self-harm, how and why people do it. It can take many forms. It can be because of so many different reasons which depend on each person, but understanding some of these can help people to understand people and support those who are struggling.

Self harming is attention seeking - For some people who self harm it can be a way to make people realise how much they are struggling - this doesn’t mean seeking attention, some people just can’t not or perhaps they don’t want anyone to know at all. Any way, they are still distressed and are using this as a way to deal with this distress. Many feel so ashamed and guilty about what happens, many fear what will happen if people know, many don’t want people to worry about them. For some it’s just the only way they can cope, for some it happens on impulse. For any of these reasons, it’s not about seeking attention.

Self harming is suicidal behaviour - Some people who self harm may be suicidal or have some suicidal thoughts, some people aren’t at all. Some people can use self harm to control these feelings. It’s different for everyone but self harm doesn’t mean someone is trying to commit suicide.

Self harm is to punish yourself - for some people this can be true - to manage thoughts and feelings. For some it is to regulate ones feelings of distress. It isn’t definitely one way or another - its different for everyone.

Telling a health professional will put you in hospital - If there is an immediate risk to yourself and your life it could, or if you are severely unwell, but if you are struggling and want to develop skills or confide in someone, or tend to an injury. They won't force you to do anything - they will help you to overcome your struggles and what is causing you all this distress and help you to find other ways of coping that don’t cause harm to yourself.