Generation ‘whine’ and other self-harm myths

Society values a stiff upper lip and self-harm - with its regulated emotion and psychic pain turned inside out - is a by-product of it, a controlled, externally focused, emotionally avoidant form of self-expression, traits often rewarded in our competitive culture.

Instead of vilifying young people who self-harm we need to empower them. We need to start tearing down the myths that surround the act, so that young people who self-harm can seek support without fear of being labelled negatively.

We need to start teaching young people how to express strong emotions in healthy ways before they reach crisis point - even when that comes with the risk that they'll dye their hair black or sing loudly to fractured, cathartic rock songs.

Until we start sharing the facts about self-harm - and start treating young people who self-harm with compassion - ignorance and discrimination will prevent too many young people from achieving the hope and healing they deserve.

*Self-harm is not limited to young people, but the scope of this article is.