| Who self-injures and how common is it |
| The answer to the second question according to psychiatrists and professionals is far underestimated in my opinion. The most common estimate is 1% of the population in America (numerous websites) and 1 in 130 in the UK (Mental Health Association). I believe that numbers are much larger than this. I have not tried to count the number of people I know (internet and RL) who or used to SI, but there are many. Even if you think you don't know anyone I'm sure you've been in contact with someone who does. It's and act that so many keep secret that there is no telling how many truly SI. |
| The answers to these question are from my own experience and not to be taken for definite knowledge. |
| The first question really has no answer. There is no stereotype here. Self-injurers come from all different lives, races, homes and can be any age. Most of the self-injurers I know are female, but SI is not limited to gender. While sexual, physical and emotional abuse receive a lot of the blame from professionals I do not necessarily agree. I'm not saying however, that it has nothing to do with it, but in the people I know that is rarely true. I just don't think if someone SIs that people should automatically assume they have an abusive past. It's only one reason amidst a sea of others. Self-injurers do seem to have some common characteristics, but usually these are not strictly limited to their personality type, but are thought patterns that have been developed and not corrected. |
| Again, remember, these are my own personal opinions from my experience. |
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