I think some people associate self mutilation with "those emo kids" or think it's some kinky sexually pent-up reaction, or think that it's a cry for attention.
I don't think it is a joke only because I see it as a serious matter that should be dealt with. The mind is full of receptors and neurotransmitters that help us feel different emotions, but it likes to protect us from negative feelings, which in nature, shouldn't be manifesting inside your skull all the time.
People deal with stress in many different ways, some much more harmful, but most are not good for you. Most would prefer to see someone eat to ease the pain away rather than cut or burn, but eating yourself to death's door isn't going to be better, and in theory, is still a form of self-harm when it becomes out of control for the same reason someone would cut.
I don't think it is a joke only because I see it as a serious matter that should be dealt with. The mind is full of receptors and neurotransmitters that help us feel different emotions, but it likes to protect us from negative feelings, which in nature, shouldn't be manifesting inside your skull all the time.
People deal with stress in many different ways, some much more harmful, but most are not good for you. Most would prefer to see someone eat to ease the pain away rather than cut or burn, but eating yourself to death's door isn't going to be better, and in theory, is still a form of self-harm when it becomes out of control for the same reason someone would cut.