After reading a post on the FB group Reach Out, I am convinced that the admin of the group who is a counselor does not understand the full picture of self injury. That is not to say that I do, but she clearly misses some major points and yet is trying to inform and encourage the cessation of such behavior. It is almost written as if we do not realise what we're doing or that we're very stupid.
This is distressing, and she completely condones the it.
Im not saying its acceptable, but sometimes its necessary.
If someone doesn't have the strategies to deal with a situation or that situation is larger than they can deal with,
then yes I think if it temporarily reduces the pain or provides relief, than if it is carefully done it is not unacceptable.
The problem with this is that often it is easy to get carried away. I have.
Society is largely a black and white society. Society has borderline personality disorder I think.
No half measures are allowed.
Suicide is completely condoned by society as a whole as is many things including self injury.
Homosexuality and other varying forms of sexuality have only recently become truly acceptable.
Yet in certain cases, suicide and self harm can be more acceptable. This is not to say it is acceptable, but it is not unacceptable as well.
Society is built around the grounding foundation that life is always right.
Hypocritically, they'll execute criminals but preserve life even in the most hopeless cases where people can be literally begging for the coup de grace.
For this reason alone, society is sick. My mate says its fucked, it is in a way.
Reality is, it should be based upon an individuals decision.
For what is largely becoming a non-religious nation gradually, it continues to put emphasis on life as opposed to choice.
If we are in control of our lives, surely we should have the capacity to end it for a reason. Obviously certain parameters probably should be used as a guide, but not as a definite.
Eg: someone who wishes to suicide and is under 18 should be prevented in all cases, except perhaps if with a terminal illness.
Even then, discretion should be used.
Im not saying I want people to suicide, I really do cringe and dont like it at all. But I also respect the individuals decision to choice. I will still love them no matter what.
Obviously this can be gone into extreme depth, and perhaps I should produce an essay regarding this topic with research done, though I suspect it will take a lot of time and be at least 2500 words.
Anyway, back to my main point. There is a lot to be said and understood about self harm. Many psychologists and other 'professionals' know little or only know what is largely stereotypical bullshit written by a bunch of medical fuckwits who dont know a lot about it except from their scarce observations, or what they have gleaned. I realise some have done some really good stuff on this topic, but sadly since much is liable to interpretation, extrapolation and individual stupidity, can be convoluted. Very few people have written extensively on this after speaking and closely interacting with those of us who SI. Some of this can be attributed to the quiet nature of this dark horse, which is not helped by those who show little understanding or make stupid assumptions or extrapolations based upon a few books or observations. Too often those who treat or are in contact with those who do such things are already decided upon and dont treat each person or even each case of self harm from the same person as an entirely new field. Reality is, it is vastly different from person to person and thus whilst knowledge bases and understanding is excellent, professionals really need to approach each case completely free of anything that may cause them to make fast conclusions, assumptions etc. You get the idea.
Self harm, Im its bitch and its my bitch.
For the time being, if it gets me over the line, Im not overly bothered.
An example perhaps of a more acceptable reason. High stress time, if it relieves stress and allows the mark to be reached, it cannot be that bad. Better than burning out on the strait or having a major breakdown after.