I self injured for a number of years up until I was 19 and I still slip up every now in then , It never was for attention, I made sure to hide it, and to injury in places that if it left scars, nobody would ever be able to see them and ask where they came from..

It is hurtful at times to hear such misconceptions, but there are many ignorant people out in this world, some people just don't know about self injury and some people know of it but are scared of it or don't understand it.

The best way to fight any misconception, or misinformation is by knowledge, when I run across someone that has these misconceptions I explain to them the seriousness of the manner, and what leads to self injury, there are a number of support groups online and information online you could direct these people to, and if I"m correct I think there is an orginization called "To Write Love on Her Arms" that spread awarness on the manner, NAMI may have information as well I"m not certain...

Sadly one also has to accepet that in this world there are some people that will never care to understand and will continue to carry such misconceptions and spread them around, the best one can do is not listen to their words, and carry on with a head held high that you know the truth and carry the knowledge on the subject

Much peace to you
Typo