A common issue today is whether or not self-mutilation is accepted in society and how it can be stopped. It should be rebranded as a cry for help versus the modern stereotypes in society.

There are usually a few judgments that come to mind when someone talks about a person who mutilates themselves. That person is seen as: weak, depressed, “emo”, “goth”, or even just a “cutter”. Few people actually consider how the person doing the damage feels. Often times they feel as if: their body is disgusting and must be punished, feeling horrible can be reduced through their actions, and only extreme actions can communicate their feelings. Self-Harmers are usually brought to the breaking point by self-hatred, problems with parents or peers, financial difficulties, divorced/separated parents, over booked schedules, or serious death or illness in the family. Not many people may be aware if, say, a 16 year old girl lost her closest relative and began to use the self-injury method of beating herself, for example: bruises. Automatically, if anyone found out about purposefully hurting herself, it would be seen as ugly and she would likely be called depressed by her peers even though nobody knows why she uses this method to deal with emotional pain. If she was being bullied the treatment would intensify on account of her being seen as weak. There is no direct solution to how self-harmers are judged, yet if there was more of an acceptance they may be open to talking to people, even if they are not a therapist. Talking to someone trusted may relieve the stress and it can help the person figure out the next step forward to take if they are prepared.

The nation wide solution that would really get through to adults and teens that are likely to start self-mutilation is through modern idols. Demi Lovato, Johnny Depp, and Angelina Jolie all have a history of self-harm. If there was a government program or sponsored commercial to show viewers their experiences and how they reflect on it, their minds may be changed or deterred for future choices. The internet has been giving people ideas for different forms of self-mutilation and even saying it’s a good way to handle situations. In a way it’s dangerous, on social media sites people will post pictures of their scars hoping it will stop people from self-harm but it just inspires them to start or continue. There needs to be a different message sent to everyone. Adults, teens, and even kids should have the message programed into their minds that self-harm should never be an option for dealing with situations.

If the issue of self-harm is ignored it will only get worse. One in six teens already cut, thinking about that number getting larger is almost terrifying! People need to be prevented from self-mutilation and stopped if possible. Just talking to someone even a friend can help a current self-harmer, as well as stopping judgments made by peers. To prevent self-mutilation as a whole there should be a direct message to everyone about famous idols’ experiences. Their regrets and advice to everyone, self-harm is an extremely dark path and you can’t just stop after starting. This is why prevention is the key to helping future generations. Looking back later in life, self-mutilation may be one regret you have.