• Self-Inflicted burning, cutting, hair-pulling, hitting, etc., is NOT only a 'teen issue'

• Cutting intentionally is NOT hip, it is NOT cool and it is not fashionable

• Burning intentionally is NOT the 'in thing to do' nor is it a extracurricular fun activity

• Self-injury IS a coping mechanism that can lead to serious consequences and should not be taken lightly. There are people out there (and on the Internet) that may tell you that it is 'cool' or 'okay', but it is not...it is a very serious issue for millions of people throughout the world.
   

Self-injury is when a person causes intentional pain, harm and/or injuries to his or her own body as a way of coping or expressing overwhelming emotions.  In my opinion, a person who self-injures is greatly misunderstood.  Although it may seem strange for a person to comprehend, self-injury is a coping mechanism and for some, a way of survival.

The information mentioned is being shared to show the possible outcomes and severity of self-injury. As someone who has overcome self-injury, I firmly believes that it is vital that people have an understanding of what self-injury is all about and what is behind it.  I am an absolute believer that anyone can end the cycle of harming themselves -- it may not be easy at times, but it can certainly be done!