Conversation

People generally view self harm as a "very bad" thing that they will try to help you stop if they find out you do it. Can someone explain to me why it's bad? If it's done safely, with no lasting damage, and is an effective method of stress relief, why is it so bad?

110

Replying to

Because people who self-harm frequently are not doing it safely, it has lasting damage, and it’s typically indicative of an individual who lacks outside resources to help them. Particularly for teens, ignored self-harm can escalate into even riskier behaviors.

Aella

@Aella_Girl

Replying to

@KHicksEfficient

I wonder if this also applies to other damaging behaviors that we don't treat in the same way? Like if someone says they do cocaine semiregularly they don't get the same reaction that someone does if they say they cut themselves.

4:15 PM · May 24, 2020

Replying to

If a teen told me they did cocaine semiregularly because of poor mental health I would absolutely have the same reaction.

Replying to

and

It's an addiction with diminishing returns. You start harming yourself more for the same return of endorphins. Similar to cocaine addiction. Even if it starts safe it can easily become unsafe. It's better to address the underlying issues.

Replying to

and

And if you are a raging alcoholic in the UK that's just called Papa. In Roman times, the rich and powerful men would casually have sex with an 11 year old boy while discussing business in the bathhouse. Societal norms under constant flux. Body injury seems negative throughout

Replying to

and

I definitely view both behaviors as dangerous and self destructive

Replying to

and

You laugh off cocaine use?

Replying to

and

I mean, that also tends to summon a form of paternalistic intervention, no?

Replying to

and

I've previously had a "responsible user" mentality with both of these things, it's the same story. At first it actually was "responsible" use, but hijacking your brain's reward system is a real slippery slope. Gradually moved to multiple times a day, zero tolerance for both now.