Here is what I have so far. I'm not sure what else to write for the conclusion, should I define what self harm actually is? I also don't know what to write for the conclusion.
Debunking myths of self harm
By Jenny (coolkid98)
There are many myths about self harm and why people self harm; many of these myths are false and lead to stereotypical views of self harm.
Myth: People self harm to gain attention
Fact: Many people who self-harm do it in secret, and cover up their injuries. People self harm often are fearful if anyone finds out about their self harm. Self harmers don’t try to draw attention to themselves.
Myth: Self harm is a suicide attempt
Fact: Self harmers don’t want to die and for many self harmers, self harm is a coping mechanism used to get through everyday life. It is used to help people cope with feelings that may not be expressed otherwise.
Myth: Self harm is cutting
Fact: Self harm is any way of hurting oneself, such as scratching, pulling out hair and burning. It is a way of releasing feelings, either physical feelings or emotional. It also can be a way of controlling something if everything seems to be out of control.
Myth: People who self harm can stop if they wanted to
Fact: Self harm can become addictive and therefore can be really hard to stop. Just telling someone won’t help them stop, self harmers need support to help them stop, and help to learn other coping strategies to get through self harm urges.
Myth: People who self harm like pain
Fact: Self harm is about emotional pain, and is a way of releasing feelings through physical pain. For many self harmers, self harm is seen as the only way of coping with the situation. It isn't enjoyable and instead is a way to release feelings
Myth: The wound isn't that bad therefore the problem isn't bad
Fact: Self harmers often feel overwhelming feelings and think that the only way to get rid of the feelings is to self harm. This emotional distress should be taken seriously, no matter how bad the injuries are.
Myth: A person is mentally ill if they self harm
Fact: Self harm is a coping mechanism used to help with feelings, such as times of stress or traumatic events. Self harm alone doesn't mean a person is mentally ill, it means that a person is struggling to cope with their emotions therefore they need support and people to understand.
People self harm for a variety of reasons and there are many ways of self harming. Self harmers need to support and someone who is understanding and who isn't judging or stereotyping them.