Why is self harm such a joke to people

[Dani24]

I just don't understand what makes self harm so funny to other people. I started talking to this guy and he seems really nice but the other day he made a "joke" and said "ya im Emo look there's cuts on my arm see???" But he was joking he doesn't actually have cuts. I got so mad that I pulled up my sleeve and showed him why it isn't funny. Am I just being over sensitive or does it hurt other people to hear self harm be made fun of?

[Arabesque- golfing girl.]

Hello and welcome to teenhelp, we are so glad that you have joined and we're able to say what is going on with you. Great job. Hugs.

I am so sorry that you are having a hard time with this. Sometimes people think it's funny to say mean things about others and it doesn't really bother them when they are doing this. And they don't get why you are so upset about this and I'm sorry that he was like that with you. Other people who don't self harm they do not fully understand why you do this and what you are going through to self harm. And some people may never know or truly understand this. And it's a shame because when you do this its not easy to stop, so having people to help you with this or that you can talk to is very helpful if you are able to do that.
Do you have anymore that you can talk to about this? Friends or family members? When you do feel like you are going to do this you can put on a funny TV show or movie to take you're mind off of this. Also you can go for a walk and put on music. And you can get a rubber band and put it around you're wrist or a hair tie and every time you get the feeling you can snap it to get you're mind off of this feeling.
If you see that guy again and if he says something about this to you or makes a joke about it, try you're best to get upset. Just think about something else if you can. Also do you like to draw or writing? Because both of them can help you too get out you're feelings. I hope that you will be ok soon. Hugs.

[Lucy1572]

I know how you feel. Pretty much everyone at my school jokes about it. As someone who does self harm, them joking about it in front of me just makes me uncomfortable and angry. I just don't understand how it's a funny topic. They wouldn't be laughing about it if they had to go through it.

I used to self harm quite extensively and I can say that there have been times when I have made jokes about my own self harm as a way to lessen the sadness. However, I choose my audience and usually only do it with family and one or two very close friends who know about my self harm.

That being said, it really upsets me when people make insensitive comments about self harm in this manner. If I know someone has struggled with self harm and I see them making jokes I don't take offense in the same way because I know joking about it can help some people cope. However, when I know the person has never struggled with it I realize they are being ignorant and I end up choosing not to interact with them as much.

Unfortunately there are good people who can make hurtful jokes pertaining to mental health such as eating disorders, self harm etc. There have been times when I have tried educating the person but a lot of the time I let it go because I know they will not change.

[hocus pocus]

I also sometimes make jokes about myself because my sense of humor plays a large role in my healing and it's easier for me to laugh.

As for other people, however, those who do not struggle with it may make jokes because they do not understand or have conflicting feelings around it, or they're just rude or ignorant. Some people who joke about it may also be trying to cover up the fact that they are struggling with it.