Myths about self-injury

Self-injury is a failed suicide attempt

Self-injury is a way of carrying on with life, not of dying.  Injuries are seldom life-threatening.  It is important to distinguish self-injury from a suicide attempt, so that it's true meanings can be understood.

Self-injury is "just attention seeking"

Self-injury is primarily about helping oneself cope with great pain.  For some, it is a desperate attempt to show that something is really wrong, and attention should be paid to their distress.

Self-injury is a sign of madness

Self-injury is a sign of distress, not madness; a sign of someone trying to cope with her life as best she can.

A person who self-injures is a danger to others

Someone who self-injures is directing her hurt and anger at herself, not at others.  Most would be appalled at the idea of hurting someone else.