I am 16 and know two people who have done self harm. Many people have misconceptions about self-harm and don’t know the full truth. Many think they know.

Here are some common misconceptions about self-harm:

• Self harm is attention-seeking. In most cases this isn’t true. Many keep their shameful secret to themselves to avoid judgment.

• Self-harm is an “emo” thing — emos are sensitive, artistic teens who share qualities with the goth culture and are prone to cutting. There is no typical self-harmer. They may look happy but inside they are suffering.

There are many more misconceptions surrounding this issue. The people who do this are no different from you. They are human beings who deserve love and support. This is an issue that affects many and is something from which they can recover.

Remember that words hurt more than punches.