Ladies and Gents, your input please!

[kimaru]

I am 15

Drinking
-How often do you drink?
about 3 times a year
-What do you generally drink?
mikes hard lemonade
-What tends to trigger you?
holidays


Substance abuse
"Social" drug use does not count!
-How often do you use?
Never
-What do you use most often?
-Has this amount/timing vary according to times of year, etc.?
-Why do you use? (triggers, reasons)?
-Where do you get whatever drugs you use?

Eating binges/deprivation
-Do you overeat or under eat?
yes
-Frequently or only when coping with something?
not sure
-What will trigger you?
Stress

Self-injury
-How often do you self-injure?
Once every two weeks
-Do you self-injure on and off or regularly?
On and off
-What do you do?
cut
-What do you use?
exacto knife
-Does anyone else know?
no
-What triggers you?
stress


Suicide
-Have you ever considered suicide?
yes
-Have you ever tried suicide?
no
-Are you part of a suicide pact or something similar?
no

Other
-Have you ever seen a counselor, psychiatrist etc. for any of the aforementioned reasons?
no

[Godslayer Jillian]

Suicide as a coping mechanism! xD

[Corpsey]

Drinking
-How often do you drink? - By myself, I've done it about twice and both times I was having difficulty sleeping.
-What do you generally drink - RTD's or vodka/Jaigermeister/Becks/Tui etc etc
-What tends to trigger you? - Into drinking? Being offered one

Substance abuse
-How often do you use? N/A if you're talking about just by yourself.
-Has this amount/timing vary according to times of year, etc.?
-Why do you use? (triggers, reasons)?
-Where do you get whatever drugs you use?

Eating binges/deprivation
-Do you overeat or under eat? Currently under-eating because of show timetables, but I eat a sandwich or two when I get home, so besides that hardly.
-Frequently or only when coping with something? Needing to cope with something.
-What will trigger you? Usually something based around the military...

Self-injury
-How often do you self-injure? N/A
-Do you self-injure on and off or regularly?
-What do you do?
-What do you use?
-Does anyone else know?
-What triggers you?

Suicide
-Have you ever considered suicide?- Once or twice.
-Have you ever tried suicide? Nopes; I just eat sugar.
-Are you part of a suicide pact or something similar? Nay.

Other
-Have you ever seen a counselor, psychiatrist etc. for any of the aforementioned reasons? Used to when I supposedly had Aspergers Syndrome. Parents took me all over the country and had a bucnh of shrinks ask me what I think of this shape and that, sheerly because I had a huge obscession with Ornothology.

Meh, I'm too happy for any of this data to really be valid for any major study unless you want a spanner-in-the-works variable.

[Corpsey]

Oh yeah..

I'm a 19 (nearly 20) year old bloke.

I'll back L'Osieau Noir on saying that drinking is unhealthy. Everything is when it's taken out of proportion, but alcohol is a doozy. Drink some every night and you'll look like you're 65 when you're forty.

Drinking on occasion sure doesn't kill you but it is still essentially a posion which I remember practically every time I drink.

Don't stand down too much mate, either. =3

[L'Oiseau Noir]

Originally Posted by Green.Lady

I cannot believe that you honestly believe this... God, I almost want to cry knowing that someone feels this way...

Sorry, but even though I'm not a cutter (except once), I feel empathy for these people. They are not weak, and the act of cutting is not disgusting. The word 'disgusting' brings to mind maggots crawling in the ground, flesh rotting - not a coping mechanism (and yes, it DOES help one cope, I know). Friends and family are often the reasons for depression, and sometimes you feel like no one would understand your problems.

Don't judge. Please.

So now it's a crime to openly state an opinion on something?

What the fuck ever.

Can I help it makes me cringe? And if it's such a good coping mechanism, why is it the ones I know who do cut, are some of the most depressed people I know?

Sorry for sounding off, but I'm getting tired of being chewed out for simply saying how I felt about it, and how it makes me feel. It upsets me seeing people do this to themselves; and angers me all at the same time. If they wanted help, I'd definitely try to lend some aid, even if I didn't know the person very well, or at all for the matter. Nobody should have to go through something like that. You're right, I can't empathize something that has never happened to me.

*Takes a deep breath*

Fine, you know what? From now on, I'll simply refrain from articulating my thoughts. Or just fucking block me if my posts offend you. Why cause yourselves the headache, anyway?

Call me a bitch, call me whatever the fuck you like. I could care less.

I'm done.

[DeathChii]

Originally Posted by gothicusmaximus

We have a winner.

w00t! I hope I get a cookie =D

[StasisInDarkness]

Self-harm is a maladaptive coping mechanism, but that doesn't mean it is "disgusting," and naturally there are many reasons behind it. The three hypotheses as to the cause of self-injury are: trauma (in childhood, as in physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse or neglect), alexithymia (the inability to identify or express one's emotions), and dissociation (using self-harm to either numb said feelings or to, when numb, "feel real"). Obviously, everyone is different, and this is not an excuse; self-injury, as I said, is a maladaptive coping mechanism.

But there are people who know no other way of coping with their high levels of negative affect, and as such, resort to self-injury. This does not make them any more disgusting than alcoholics, drug users, those with eating disorders, or those who use other self-destructive ways to cope with the feelings that they themselves can neither understand nor communicate with others about.

As someone who has self-harmed, I feel that labeling it as "disgusting" is very deletrious to one's self-esteem, and this sort of stigma associated with self-injury perpetuates the guilt that, most likely, those that engage in such behavior already feel.

[Green.Lady]

Originally Posted by StasisInDarkness

Self-harm is a maladaptive coping mechanism, but that doesn't mean it is "disgusting," and naturally there are many reasons behind it. The three hypotheses as to the cause of self-injury are: trauma (in childhood, as in physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse or neglect), alexithymia (the inability to identify or express one's emotions), and dissociation (using self-harm to either numb said feelings or to, when numb, "feel real"). Obviously, everyone is different, and this is not an excuse; self-injury, as I said, is a maladaptive coping mechanism.

But there are people who know no other way of coping with their high levels of negative affect, and as such, resort to self-injury. This does not make them any more disgusting than alcoholics, drug users, those with eating disorders, or those who use other self-destructive ways to cope with the feelings that they themselves can neither understand nor communicate with others about.

As someone who has self-harmed, I feel that labeling it as "disgusting" is very deletrious to one's self-esteem, and this sort of stigma associated with self-injury perpetuates the guilt that, most likely, those that engage in such behavior already feel.

You have madd writing skillz. [sicx2]

And fantastic points, if I may add.

[StasisInDarkness]

Originally Posted by Green.Lady

You have madd writing skillz. [sicx2]

And fantastic points, if I may add.

Awwww thank you, kind lady!

[Dancing_in_rain]

Well, at this I draw the topic to a close, simply because the essay is done and handed in. I was told by my English teacher the day before my essay was due that I was not allowed to use an improperly documented student study as a source. Bah humbug. However, all your insight did help me write my essay, and for that, I am very thankful to you all.
As to L'Oiseau Noir, I think that she has made it clear that she realises that her phrasing might have been offensive to some and you know what y'all, it's okay. I doubt she had any intention of offending anyone or hurting anyone's feelings.
As I am myself an ex-self-injurer, I was originally shocked to see that she called self-harm disgusting, apparently without concern for others' situation. However, she has explained herself, and l'oiseau, tout est pardonné - all is forgiven. Feel free to express yourself but the only thing is, remember that sometimes, being blunt may hurt others. 'Tis all.

And now, I've decided to put my essay on here so y'all can read it. My thesis has changed slightly from the original. Enjoy and feel free to comment.


----edit---- my post is too long...so the essay itself is in the next post.


Please bear in mind that the essay was written in the formal argumentative essay style and that therefore, it sounds rather official. There is usually a proper MLA coverpage and bibliography, but the coverpage is off because it contains personal information and the bibliography is out because it is extremely long.

Thanks again for all your help!

[Dancing_in_rain]

Coping On The Dark Side:
Self-Injury and the Gothic Subculture


Audience: *teacher's name* and adolescents
Purpose: To inform
Form: Argumentative essay

Adolescents today are faced with an overwhelming number of problems, whether it be dealing with the opposite sex, learning pre-calc or battling social injustice. It is therefore normal for teenagers to try to associate themselves with a peer group that shares common interests. In a world where the stress exerted on adolescents is constantly increasing, it is understandable that new coping mechanisms are developed, both positive and negative. One of these methods of survival, one that is steadily making a greater appearance is self-injury, behaviour that has repeatedly been associated with the Gothic subculture. However, this is an unfair affiliation, a stereotypical misconception that must be dispelled. Self-injury is found in every milieu and teenage subculture and consequently, cannot be blamed on an interest in the Gothic subculture.
A large spectrum of teenage subcultures can be found in every high school. There are the omnipresent “popular” ones, sometimes called “preps”, the in crowd that governs the student body. Generally made up of the upper class of a school, they will have money, branded clothing and hold infamous parties. There are also the “geeks” or “nerds”, those who work hard, get high grades and don’t necessarily get out much. Those are the youths who seem to know the answer to every question and the ones who are usually eager to discuss new research or the latest novel. Though there are many teen subcultures, only one more will be explained as it pertains to the topic of this essay; the gothic subculture. The gothic culture is a diversified branch of the punk subculture, stemming principally from a style of music. Characteristic Goth bands include, The Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Siousxie And The Banshees, London After Midnight, The Children of Bodom, Fields of the Nephilim and many more. Despite his common media affiliation to the culture, Marilyn Manson is widely disapproved of by Goths. The stigma surrounding the gothic subculture is largely unfounded, based on incidents such as the Columbine shootings, as well as the more recent shooting at Dawson College, or on the common misconceptions that all Goths are fetishists, depressed, haunters of cemeteries, bad poets or simply distastefully morbid. Though the Gothic subculture does reveal an interest in the darker side of life, Goths are generally open-minded, mature individuals, who take great pride in aesthetic clothing and image and who express themselves through all forms of art, whether through writing, visual arts, music, dance or film.
Self-injury, also known as self-harm, self-abuse or self-mutilation is defined as deliberately self-inflicted non-lethal pain. It is important to understand that it is injury inflicted to oneself without suicidal intent, no matter what action is performed. Self-harm is becoming increasingly popular, with a majority of self-harmers being teenage girls. Though the most commonly known mode of self-injury is cutting, many other forms exist; burning, substance abuse, overeating or deprivation, picking at wounds to prevent healing and many others. Self-harm has been found in milieus all over the world, and is not specific to any one cultural setting. Triggered by many things, self-injury brings on a rush of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers that appear after stress and trauma. This rush is called the “cutting high”, and is intimately linked to the addiction component of self-harm. As in any other situation where a “feel-good” sensation comes into play, the body shows an interest in re-experiencing the “buzz” and this is what leads into an addiction. Because of the endorphins, pain caused by self-harm is not felt as strongly, causing the “numbing” sensation that many cutters have mentioned in interviews. After a certain time, the endorphins pack less of a punch and pain is felt more strongly as a result. This is often what makes cutters realize their addiction to self-injury.
There are many triggers for self-injury and these initiators explain the presence of self-harm in such a variety of milieus. Stress can be found in every circle, though it may stem from different sources. For example, a death or illness in a family can engender a lot of worry on the behalf of the whole family, causing more stress for more vulnerable adolescents. Peer pressure is evidently found in many different sectors, as are depression, anger, disassociation and abuse. All of the above are commonly found causes for self-injury contrarily to popular belief that states that cutters just want attention. However, it must be remembered that young adults are known for being copycats and that adolescence is a time in which most teens experiment with different experiences and sensations, such as drugs, alcohol, sex, pleasure and, in the case of self-harm, pain. Self-injury is a release of negative energy and the root of the problem is whatever causes such an accumulation of anger.
Quite obviously, self-injury is highly stigmatized and it has frequently been associated to the gothic subculture. For many people, self-injury seems to be the signs of a mental illness or abnormality, and so, it is rarely accepted as a valid condition requiring assistance. Though self-harm can be found in any teen subculture, it does have an increased presence in the gothic teen culture. This has been related to the fact that the gothic subculture is generally constituted of rather open-minded and mature individuals who have a higher tolerance for diversity and faults. In a study conducted by the British Medical Journal, 1258 adolescent students were interviewed. Out of these students, 25 identified themselves as Goth, and approximately half of these students admitted to having self-injured before. However, nearly all of the admitted self-harmers said that they had self-harmed before associating themselves with the gothic subculture. Psychologist Robert Young, of the Social and Public Health Sciences Unit at the University of Glasgow directed the study and said the following:
“Although only fairly small numbers of young people identify as belonging to the Goth subculture, rates of self-harm and attempted suicide are very high among this group. One common suggestion is [that] they may be copying subcultural icons or peers. But since our study found more reported self-harm before, rather than after, becoming a Goth, this suggests young people with a tendency to self-harm are attracted to the Goth subculture. […] Rather than posing a risk, it’s possible that by belonging to this subculture, young people are gaining valuable social and emotional support from their peers.”

This is certainly a note worthy concept, and would prove that people who are interested in the Gothic subculture might find acceptance and possibly even counsel in the group. The high level of media influence must also been taken into account when discussing self-injury. With the recent popularization of “emotional hardcore” music, more and more adolescents are beginning to take on the “emo” look, which involves dyed hair cut in front of the eyes, black nail varnish, numerous wrist bands, copious amounts of eye liner and dark skinny jeans. Most Goths are disdainful of this new genre, as its members tend to give darker and more alternative subcultures a bad rap. The stereotype of the “depressed emo kid” has become very common, and teenage writing about depression, self-injury, pain, heartbreak and death is now widely accessible on the web. It has become cool to be depressed, fashionable to have a lot of angst, and this is making real depression and issues with self-injury a banality.
In conclusion, self-injury cannot be blamed on an interest in the Gothic culture and it must be treated seriously. Though self-harm levels have been found to be higher in Goths, this has been related to the greater acceptance of diversity that is characterized in the subculture. Self-injury is an important issue for the current generation of adolescents and it is only through the assistance of parents, relatives, teachers and friends that the problem can decrease. If depression and self-harm are not dealt with early on, the addiction can become overwhelming and it is much harder to stop once a cycle has started. Therefore, to help teenagers overcome the difficulties of adolescence, we must stop judging them and start appreciating who they really are, beyond cultural separations.