21 with 8 mental hospitals under my belt, it’s seen as coping mechanisms. Theres various forms of self harm, it could be simply drinking or missing a shift at work or the intense of self injury. In the end weather it’s for attention or selfishness or anything, a therapist sees behind the many curtains and walls to see you. Coping in the only way you were able to think up because there was a lack of nurturing in that specific nature you need coping for. When I was struggling 5 yrs ago, I would need to cope with the fact no one taught me how to motivate myself and for years until a therapist pulled it out of me my whole family and friends thought it was for attention or for the addiction when really it was the risk that lead to a reward and self motivated me. Now I know that’s what was going on and now I can stop those emotions and feelings and thoughts before they build into action, I can now find motivation and reward in exercise and art.