Self-harmers "doing it for attention"
A lot of people shame people who self-harm by saying something along the lines of "You are only doing it for attention". I've never understood that. For the sake of argument let's say that they really are only doing for attention. Don't you think that if someone would go to such extreme lengths for attention they must be going through some really tough times but don't know how to reach out so they resort to that. Ofcourse the majority of self-harmers DON'T do it for attention, but even if they did I don't understand how people can just brush off someone else's struggles like that.
@CurWilliam That's like someone took the words out of my mouth!
I so agree!
I hate that attitude that it's "for attention" and agree that even if it was, just be there for someone who needs attention that bad. For me, I go to a lot of trouble to hide my cuts and scars, but sometimes I do sort of wish someone would notice. I would really love to have someone care... but I don't think anyone really does. I think a few people have seen the scars before, but it's not their problem, I guess.
@creativeCamp2095
I can understand why it hurts when or if someone sees your scars and says/does nothing to help. However, it's possible they are unsure of what to say or do and they don't want to hurt or embarrass you, so they try to ignore it. It's hard to find the right words sometimes when it comes to mental illness, there is such a horrible stigma attached to it. 
I believe everybody could/should take a course on how to support and confront mental illness. There is far too much ignorance and fear based assumptions when it comes to the subject.
I'm sure your friends or family care for you, so it's perhaps best to give them the benefit of the doubt.
@TrueArrow
I try to give them the benefit of the doubt, but... it's hard to explain. No one in my life is particularly supportive, I definitely don't have what you would call a strong support system. After being hurt and let down enough, it's hard to continue giving people the benefit of the doubt, 
@creativeCamp2095
Yeah, I get what you mean. Anytime I try to approach my family and talk about my depression, I get a resounding "well I'm depressed too!". My family will admit that I am "sad" due to my chronic pain and disability, but always tell me that a psychiatrist will mess me up more because "they're quacks" lol.
Like I said previously, mental illness is gravely misunderstood and stigmatized. It's a shame.
@TrueArrow
Very true.
@creativeCamp2095
@creativeCamp2095
Shoot my reply got cut off, I'm sorry. I was trying to respond to say that I'm really sorry to hear that you feel nobody cares about your self-harm :( Here on 7 Cups, you are never alone and you will always have supportive and kind listeners/members to be here for you when you need us. Please don't hesitate to reach out and talk to someone here.
@Freedangel
Thank you 
I don't think it's for attention at all. I did it to ground myself almost, see if I could still feel anything but sadness. I needed a different pain to distract my mind, instead of focusing on my problems. It was solely for me, to feel something, not to get attention. If anything, I never wanted anyone to know about it
@LyssSky03 I'm the same way about it, i don't want anyone to know because it's for me. But at the same time i want people to realize that im not my exterior that i do hurt sometimes and get weird thoughts about showing it and acting like it wasn't a big deal. That's not an attention thing though, its a loneliness thing. Wanting people to see the real me. But they would just hate me so i never will show anyone.
