4 Misconceptions About Self-Harm and How to Respond

Every year on March 1st, Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) brings attention to a topic often misunderstood and stigmatized: self-harm. The day is dedicated to dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and encouraging open, supportive conversations for those struggling with self-injury. By increasing awareness and understanding, SIAD helps create communities where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek help.

Common Myths About Self-Harm

Misunderstandings about self-harm can prevent people from seeking the help they need. Let’s address some of the most common myths:

Myth 1: People who self-harm are “attention-seeking.”

• Truth: Self-injury is rarely about seeking attention. It is often a private coping mechanism for managing overwhelming emotions, trauma, or mental health challenges.

Myth 2: Self-harm is the same as wanting to die.

• Truth: While self-harm can be serious, it is not always an attempt at suicide. Many individuals use self-injury to cope with emotional pain, anxiety, or numbness — as a way to feel control or relief.

Myth 3: Only teens or young people self-harm.

• Truth: People of all ages and backgrounds can engage in self-injury. While it often begins in adolescence, adults also struggle with this behavior. Age, background, or life circumstances do not make someone less deserving of support.

Myth 4: Self-harm only happens in people with depression.

• Truth: While depression can be a factor, self-harm occurs in individuals for many reasons, including anxiety, trauma, stress, or difficulty managing emotions. It’s not limited to a single mental health diagnosis.

Hidden Struggles

Self-harm is often private and can be hidden from friends, family, and coworkers. Scars, bruises, or other signs may be intentionally covered, and some individuals may go to great lengths to conceal their behavior. Just because self-harm isn’t visible doesn’t mean it isn’t happening — and someone struggling may still function in school, work, or relationships while silently coping with intense emotional pain.

How to Support Someone Struggling

Supporting someone who self-harms involves empathy, understanding, and safe boundaries:

1. Listen Without Judgment – Allow them to share their feelings and experiences without immediately trying to fix the problem. Validation is key.

2. Encourage Professional Help – Therapy, counseling, and support groups can provide healthier coping strategies. Offer resources without pressure.

3. Respect Privacy – Some individuals may not want to share their self-injury openly. Respecting boundaries helps build trust.

4. Check in Regularly – Small gestures of care and consistent check-ins can reduce isolation and convey support.

5. Take Care of Yourself – Supporting someone in distress can be emotionally taxing. Maintain your own mental health and seek guidance if needed.

Why Awareness Matters

Self-Injury Awareness Day reminds us that self-harm is not a moral failing or a phase, but a coping mechanism that deserves empathy. By challenging myths, opening dialogue, and offering support, we can reduce stigma and allow individuals feel empowered to seek help and develop alternate means of coping.

Final Thoughts

Self-harm can be frightening and confusing for both those who struggle and their loved ones, but awareness and education are powerful tools. This March 1st, on Self-Injury Awareness Day, take a step toward empathy: listen, learn, and support. Every conversation that normalizes mental health struggles helps break stigma and fosters a more understanding, compassionate community.