Has anyone else noticed that whenever you, or someone else, mentions self injury, the person you’re telling always asks about if you’re feeling suicidal? I know that a good percentage of people don’t seem to understand that self harmers aren’t always suicidal and suicidal people don’t always self harm, but they should know by now that you shouldn’t ask something so personal, especially if you don’t know who you’re asking! People have asked me if I self harm because I told them I was feeling suicidal, and people have asked me if I’m suicidal because I self harm. I haven’t felt suicidal in four months, yet just because I have self harmed automatically means I’m suicidal! What the heck? Does anyone else experience this?
I have experienced this often. I’ve self injured for 10 years but not once have I done it with the intent of suicide. People have asked me why I wanted to die and I have had to explain self injury is generally not suicide attempts. It seems to be one I the same for some people. I don’t get frustrated anymore though because its not a widely discussed topic. It’s been in the media recently a lot more than just a few years ago but other than the general public doesn’t have much to go on. It would be cool if everyone were educated on the subject but all I can do is share my experience with individuals I come in contact with. I hope this made sense, it’s just my opinion =)