Myths about Non-Suicidal Self Injury are barriers to people receiving the appropriate support.
Myths that are spread continuously are part of the stigma that persists in our community about Mental Illnesses.
Non-Suicidal Self Injury (sometimes known as Self Harm) is a misunderstood symptom of some mental illnesses. Some of the myths are:
Myth 1: Self-injury is a mental illness.
Truth: Self-injury is often a behavioural symptom of a mental illness. It is not a mental illness in and of itself.
Myth 2: Self-injury is a failed suicide attempt
Truth: Self-injury is an attempt to relieve an intolerable mental or emotional state. It can be a risk factor for suicide.
Myth 3: People who self-injure don't deserve proper medical attention.
Truth: Severe injuries of any origin require medical attention. Once the injury has been attended to the underlying distress needs to be treated by an appropriate health professional.
Myth 4: If you remove the tools used for self-injury, the behaviour will stop/
Truth: Tools don't cause a person to injure themselves it is the underlying distress that is the cause. The behaviour will stop when the underlying cause is adequately dealt with.
Myth 5: Some music styles encourage people to self-injure.
Truth: Some songs make reference to SI and this may make them appealing to some people who engage in SI. However, they do not encourage a person to SI. They may help individuals feel less alone.
If someone are engaging in Self-injury or you know someone who is engaging in Self-injury you can get support from Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline and Headspace.
Training as a Mental Health First Aider will give you knowledge and skills on how to support someone.
Remember, Mental Health is everyone's business.
