Viewing Thread:
"Self Harm. A discussion"

What do we think of self harmers?

Are they just "normal people" who come from all sorts of social backgrounds and use it as a way to release?
Are they people we meet everyday?
Are they mentally ill people who need serious help?
Are they just freaks?
Attention seekers?

What should be done about it?
Do they deserve help?
Can they be helped?

What do we know of self harm?
What does it entail?

What do we think of self harmers?

Are they just "normal people" who come from all sorts of social backgrounds and use it as a way to release?
Are they people we meet everyday?
Are they mentally ill people who need serious help?
Are they just freaks?
Attention seekers?

What should be done about it?
Do they deserve help?
Can they be helped?

What do we know of self harm?
What does it entail?

That's a big topic for someone new to the forums? :D

Hello, by the way.

The topic might be better suited to the Intelligent Discussion forums, though.

This is already the second topic she's made on it. Dont encourage a third ;)

I can always delete this one...

no i dont think it would be better suited to the intelligent discussions forums as it was supposed to gain the responses of everyday people. Considering this is supposed to be a chat forum i felt that this would be the best place to communicate, obviously i got the wrong definition of the word chat!and as for not encouraging me to make a third topic!well i would not have had to make a second one if people could just spare a few minutes to answer a pretty straight forward question. what is with being so rude? i'm sure if you people can chat about how porn is normal in every teenage boys life or how disturbing it is that people egged someone on to commit suicide, then my topic is perfectly fine. or do people just not want to address issues that really matter in life?

If it hasn't taken off it's because it's a bit personal. Anyone who has first hand experience isn't going to want to say so because they're so often criticised by people who know nothing about it.

that was the whole point of people being able to send a message to me as it would be confidential. other people are quite happy to make their views heard especially those with negative attitudes. The whole point of this research was to try to eliminate negative views of this area so people can admit to it. but seeing as its ruined now anyway i may as well give my opinion. i believe self harmers are normal people but can have reasons for doing it. sure there are those who do it purely for attention though this does not mean they are a bad person. it may be a cry for help. it may be a way to release anger and frustration. it may be a way to hurt someone who loves you. The high from doing it may be addictive. Whatever the reason millions of people do it even those who may be seen as good looking, or successful or even happy. And I think I know what it feels like for self harmers! I BARE THE SCARS MYSELF!

hi Prilly,

don't be discouraged -- my wife is a Therapeutic Social Worker working with young self harmer's on a daily basis, the majority of her 'clients' (this is what they are called -- no disrespect meant here) are youngsters with various issues ranging from real family problems to perceived problems which may be physical, psychological or environmental.

The type of self-harmers I have problems with are drunks, recreational drug users and smokers (that should get a response!) who all claim that their particular vice/habit is not harmful and they are in complete control.

Back on track, self harmers need our attention and aid (if we are able) even if it's only to determine whether they need or deserve it.

Reply to Nin -- you're right. of course it's personal, but one of the benefits of this type of discussion (within a chat room, no real names or identifying info) is that the anonymous nature of chat rooms and the like means that people CAN be honest and open about experiences. And as any would be or real psychologist will tell you, talk is cathartic for the individual.

The other point you make about peoples lack of knowledge or insight is also true, but open discussions can allow outsiders to see in.

_blackfoot wrote:
> Reply to Nin -- you're right. of course it's personal, but one of
> the benefits of this type of discussion (within a chat room, no
> real names or identifying info) is that the anonymous nature of
> chat rooms and the like means that people CAN be honest and open
> about experiences. And as any would be or real psychologist will
> tell you, talk is cathartic.

Erm... i was the one who encouraged talking about it on here in the first place and yes i know, i'm a psychology student. I was explaining why no-one has taken the chance.