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dreamer_easyI have never cut myself. But having depression, it's something I've often thought about. I think I understand the overwhelming feelings that drive some people to hurt themselves - the need to stop those intolerable feelings in any way possible, and the need to show other people how much distress you're in.
This discussion on![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
metaquotes about "emo" culture makes it clear that some people believe teenagers cut themselves because it's fashionable, or to get attention and sympathy they don't really need. I find it impossible to believe that anyone cuts themselves just to show off. I'm horrified by the idea that someone who summons the courage to show a self-harm injury could be dismissed with a "Cheer up, emo kid." Of course they're seeking attention - medical attention. Like me, like millions of people, they need to talk to a counsellor or a shrink, someone who can help relieve those unbearable feelings.
The idea that they only have "shallow cuts", and so are faking it, is especially horrifying. Even when I have powerfully felt the desire to hurt myself, all I ever thought about was exactly that - making small cuts in my skin. What does someone have to do to convince others they're in distress, lop off an arm?!
I find it incredibly hard to believe that "emo" culture, or any subculture, would lead teens to cut themselves. In fact, I think that blaming "emo" is just another way of ignoring a very distressing issue.
ETA: Shit, nobody panic, I haven't hurt myself!
This discussion on
metaquotes about "emo" culture makes it clear that some people believe teenagers cut themselves because it's fashionable, or to get attention and sympathy they don't really need. I find it impossible to believe that anyone cuts themselves just to show off. I'm horrified by the idea that someone who summons the courage to show a self-harm injury could be dismissed with a "Cheer up, emo kid." Of course they're seeking attention - medical attention. Like me, like millions of people, they need to talk to a counsellor or a shrink, someone who can help relieve those unbearable feelings.The idea that they only have "shallow cuts", and so are faking it, is especially horrifying. Even when I have powerfully felt the desire to hurt myself, all I ever thought about was exactly that - making small cuts in my skin. What does someone have to do to convince others they're in distress, lop off an arm?!
I find it incredibly hard to believe that "emo" culture, or any subculture, would lead teens to cut themselves. In fact, I think that blaming "emo" is just another way of ignoring a very distressing issue.
ETA: Shit, nobody panic, I haven't hurt myself!
