I would like to comment on the front page article about self-harm cases in Malta.

It is definitely a problem that needs to be addressed, however, I take issue with the sentence: “People, especially women, self-harm to get attention.” Who made this statement? The journalist or the psychiatrist consulted for the article?

There are a great many people who self-harm but cover up their injuries and hide them from those around them, not telling anyone. What about these people? Why are they self-harming? Certainly not for attention, as they are not asking for any.

Self-harm is something which is highly misunderstood and such sweeping statements as the one made in the article in question put it under an ugly light, one which it already has and doesn’t need.

People who are desperate, numb or emotionally anguished enough to self-harm do not need anyone accusing them of seeking attention. They need support and care.

Those cases that end up in hospital are not necessarily attention-seeking either. Things may have gone further than expected; after all, self-harm and suicide attempts are worlds apart. Mental illness and their related behaviours are so commonly misunderstood and put in a bad light and the statement made in the article mentioned above only served to further this misconception.