well, im definatley not a professional, but i do believe that SI is a serious problem and should not be viewed as a joke. I think that for some people, it is a way to cry out for help because they dont know how else to do so. For others, i think SI is more personal, and is to help cope with emotions. I have struggled with this, and still do from time to time, but i have come to realize it does not get rid of the underlying problem.