Self-Harm Myths Dispelled

Myths & Misunderstandings

Myth: Self-harm is an attention-seeking behavior. 

Truth: Most teens work intensely to hide self-harm scars or wounds out of shame and fear of reactions. They are often relieved when finally discovered so they can get help. 

Myth: It’s just an extreme teen trend that will pass. 

Truth: While self-injury has risen among youth, it represents a real emotional crisis, not a fashion fad. Teens desperately need support, not dismissal. 

Myth: Self-harm is a suicide attempt. 

Truth: Self-harm provides momentary relief from extreme distress and is done without suicidal intent. However, it does signal the need for help addressing mental health issues. 

Myth: Teens who cut are crazy. 

Truth: Self-harm does not mean a teen is insane or dangerous. They are channeling inner pain and need compassion plus therapy for underlying issues like depression. 

Myth: Children from good families don’t self-harm. 

Truth: Self-injury happens in all types of families and social classes. Even teens lacking obvious trauma can secretly struggle with low self-worth or anxiety. 

Myth: Parents are to blame if kids self-harm. 

Truth: While a dysfunctional family environment can contribute, loving parents are not the sole cause. Many factors outside parental control like bullying or mental illness influence self-harm risk. 

Myth: Taking away sharp objects stops the problem. 

Truth: Restricting access helps minimize harm, but teens will continue finding ways to hurt themselves without resolving the root emotional distress driving the urge. 

Myth: Hospitalization always helps self-injuring youth. 

Truth: Inpatient psychiatric care may stabilize teens in immediate crisis but does not address long-term behavior change. Intensive therapy as follow-up remains essential. 

Myth: Scars mean teenagers will be scarred for life. 

Truth: With professional help developing healthier coping skills and self-esteem, teens can fully recover from and eventually stop self-harming without permanent damage. 

Myth: Teens engaging in self-harm are lost causes. 

Truth: While the behavior presents challenges, even severe self-injury is treatable through consistent therapy, building coping skills, medication management, and family support. Full recovery is absolutely possible.  

Myth: Self-harm is just manipulation or blackmail. 

Truth: While change sometimes motivates the timing of revealing self-harm, the underlying emotional distress driving it is very real. Teens need understanding, not accusations. 

Myth: Only teenage girls cut themselves. 

Truth: Up to 40% of those who engage in self-harm are male. Societal stigma keeps many boys even more secretive about symptoms of inner anguish. 

Myth: It will just go away on its own eventually. 

Truth: Self-harm may lessen but recur without professional treatment addressing the root psychological issues perpetuating it. Early intervention improves prognosis. 

Breaking the Stigma

Clearly, misconceptions and stigma create barriers preventing teens engaging in self-harm from seeking or receiving compassionate support. Educating oneself and others with facts fosters openness over judgment. 

If someone you know self-injures, avoid criticisms or shock. Make it safe for them to disclose their hidden hurts so healing can begin. Their story is still being written—this chapter does not have to define them.