"Cutting is for Emos."

[lildawni]

Ahh, that makes sense, thank ye. (And as a side note, congratulations on your pregnancy!)

[kami two]

but i do have several disorders, like ADd and stuff.. and im never suicidal. i do often want to see myself beat up or at least damaged. I can resist in simple situations because my boyfriend doesnt want me to.. but when ever im freaking out, like sometimes when im really tired and extremely angry, sad, or happy or all at same time i just do it because the resistance is completely gone, after that i feel good.. calm.. and last but not least.. worried.. what will he say?..
but in the end i like my scars and i like cuts on myself. so what is my problem?

[Mike Oxlittle]

Would really like an Emo Bag!

I think that people who cut their wrists, arms, or anywhere that is frequently exposed is a bit of an attention seeker.

My reasoning behind is:
What sort of cutter would want people to know that they cut?

Cutting somewhere that isn't exposed makes much more sense.
Nobody thinks anything of me for "hiding" my legs every day with trousers and boxer shorts.
If I refused to take off wrist bands, people would get suspicious! Especially at night time.

[lildawni]

Mike Oxlittle

Would really like an Emo Bag!

I think that people who cut their wrists, arms, or anywhere that is frequently exposed is a bit of an attention seeker.

My reasoning behind is:
What sort of cutter would want people to know that they cut?

Cutting somewhere that isn't exposed makes much more sense.
Nobody thinks anything of me for "hiding" my legs every day with trousers and boxer shorts.
If I refused to take off wrist bands, people would get suspicious! Especially at night time.

Your reason behind assuming that anyone who cuts their arms is an attention seeker is... a question about attention seeking behaviour? That's not a logical basis for an opinion -- in fact, it's not a reason at all.

I self harm where it "feels right" -- sometimes that's my arm, sometimes my shoulder, my stomach, my leg, my ankle... it changes, but when it *is* my arm, it's not because people look there more. I'm actually VERY uncomfortable with people bringing up my scars, and have been known to wear long sleeves year round. And it may surprise you, but people see what they want to see -- if I have long sleeves on, people don't necessarily assume I self harm. Not to mention the whole, "having been married, there's not a single place on my body that hasn't been seen by someone" thing.

Sorry if I sound harsh, but I am, to be honest, quite offended by the assumption that just because I choose to self harm somewhere that you consider a "frequently exposed area", then I am an attention seeker -- not because I think there's anything any worse about self harm for attention than I do for any other reason, but because you're making a judgement about me without a) checking your facts, and b) even knowing me at ALL.

[ChronicOvadose]

Mike Oxlittle

Would really like an Emo Bag!

I think that people who cut their wrists, arms, or anywhere that is frequently exposed is a bit of an attention seeker.

My reasoning behind is:
What sort of cutter would want people to know that they cut?

Cutting somewhere that isn't exposed makes much more sense.
Nobody thinks anything of me for "hiding" my legs every day with trousers and boxer shorts.
If I refused to take off wrist bands, people would get suspicious! Especially at night time.

Haha, it's summer, and I'm ALWAYS wearing my sweater. Have been wearing a sweater daily for many, many years now. But anyway, yes, someone who exposes their cuts to an outside individual is an attention seeker, but that's not necessarily a bad thing, is it? We all need attention from time to time, and someone who is hurt may need a helping hand.

[Blood Magdelene]

Perhaps it's not attention seeking but a silent shout for help.

Having said that, however, I have noticed young individuals showing off their scars on their wrists and such. I don't think it's a healthy fashion statement at all and I believe it's rather stupid. In fact, I get really offended by those kind of people because when you harm yourself, you're thinking how much you want the pain to go away, you hate yourself and want to disappear, there's no escape etc... It's a horrible feeling and I would never associate it as a 'fashion statement'. Sheesh.

I cut because I want to feel relief and control the pain that I'm going through. Instead of some phantom pain flowing around my body, causing me anguish and distress, I simplify the emotion to a single cut to my body - a cut that will bleed and heal unlike my phantom pain which I don't know how to deal with. It's a very personal thing and, for me, it helps.

And I just have to say that I really, really hate it how it's becoming more and more associated with 'Emos'.

[MaxwellinBeverlyHills]

Jessalina

I've always thought that cutting oneself was a way to relive stress. I personally could never bring myself to do it, but I guess my way of reliving stress is somewhat "self-harm". I know usually people think of depression for being the reason. But stress can be behind that too. Some people might not realize that they're doing (I never do, not at first).

However I can understand why people might call cutters "posers" or "emos" some people (I've met a girl who did this) would cut herself just so that she could "fit in". It was weird because no one else I knew cut themselves. Also some people don't really understand, why some people might actually cut themselves, because they are close minded and have never done it before.

wow you're an idiot rolleyes

[mrs_chester_bennington]

I've been cutting for 5 years, the emo trend only came out 2 or 3 years ago. It annoys me so much that something that was supposed to be a music genre has created such a stigma towards cutting. Years ago, people didn't really talk about it.

I can understand why everyone hates the thought of it now, for all they see of it is the attention seekers who scratch their wrists and show off the scars. It saddens me to think that this is the impression that people have. It makes it even harder to consider seeking help with anxiety and depression that result from sexual abuse in my childhood.

Attention seekers are the shameful tip of the iceburg. So many people self harm it's not funny. People who don't hide their scars give them a bad name.

[lildawni]

mrs_chester_bennington

I've been cutting for 5 years, the emo trend only came out 2 or 3 years ago. It annoys me so much that something that was supposed to be a music genre has created such a stigma towards cutting. Years ago, people didn't really talk about it.

I can understand why everyone hates the thought of it now, for all they see of it is the attention seekers who scratch their wrists and show off the scars. It saddens me to think that this is the impression that people have. It makes it even harder to consider seeking help with anxiety and depression that result from sexual abuse in my childhood.

Attention seekers are the shameful tip of the iceburg. So many people self harm it's not funny. People who don't hide their scars give them a bad name.

People with all kinds of problems don't have to hide the symptoms of their difficulties in order not to be labelled an "attention seeker", so why is self harm so different? Why should I feel like I have to hide the fact that I self harm just because some people believe that it's a cry for help or a way to get attention? Some people drink for attention -- does that mean all people should hide the fact that they drink, or the signs of their drinking, in order not to be labelled an attention seeker? Sorry, but this is just bullcrap elitism. Your reasons for self harm are no better or worse - no more or less valid -- than anyone else's.

And as for "people who don't hide their scars give them a bad name" -- I've already explained several reasons why someone may not hide their scars. Sorry if you feel that the fact that I don't always bother to cover up my scars gives you a bad name, but I'm not going to feel ashamed of myself for your misconceptions about me. I started self harming before I started school -- I'm not going to spend my LIFE in long sleeves just because you think letting someone see my scars makes me an attention seeker.

[mrs_chester_bennington]

lildawni

mrs_chester_bennington

I've been cutting for 5 years, the emo trend only came out 2 or 3 years ago. It annoys me so much that something that was supposed to be a music genre has created such a stigma towards cutting. Years ago, people didn't really talk about it.

I can understand why everyone hates the thought of it now, for all they see of it is the attention seekers who scratch their wrists and show off the scars. It saddens me to think that this is the impression that people have. It makes it even harder to consider seeking help with anxiety and depression that result from sexual abuse in my childhood.

Attention seekers are the shameful tip of the iceburg. So many people self harm it's not funny. People who don't hide their scars give them a bad name.

People with all kinds of problems don't have to hide the symptoms of their difficulties in order not to be labelled an "attention seeker", so why is self harm so different? Why should I feel like I have to hide the fact that I self harm just because some people believe that it's a cry for help or a way to get attention? Some people drink for attention -- does that mean all people should hide the fact that they drink, or the signs of their drinking, in order not to be labelled an attention seeker? Sorry, but this is just bullcrap elitism. Your reasons for self harm are no better or worse - no more or less valid -- than anyone else's.

And as for "people who don't hide their scars give them a bad name" -- I've already explained several reasons why someone may not hide their scars. Sorry if you feel that the fact that I don't always bother to cover up my scars gives you a bad name, but I'm not going to feel ashamed of myself for your misconceptions about me. I started self harming before I started school -- I'm not going to spend my LIFE in long sleeves just because you think letting someone see my scars makes me an attention seeker.

You've given one reason, and the reason it still hurts me is because when people see scars or wounds on another person they are hurt and shocked, and become angry towards people who walk around with such marks visible to them. This of course isn't your fault, but it's not theirs either. What I'm saying is that you make the choice to show your scars and that affects me because I have to listen to everyone talking angrily about how much they hate cutters. I think its idealistic to think one has the right to show their scars, because they completely ignore the fact that it does hurt people to be faced with such violence, there's no question about it, and this unfortunately leads to these people turning around and hurting those who do take the effort to hide their pain, as they all get together and proudly talk of how much they hate cutters. I'm not saying it's your fault, and if you are proud to show your scars then good for you, but it does take its toll on others and that's the reality.

[Rikki Rottenheart]

mrs_chester_bennington

You've given one reason, and the reason it still hurts me is because when people see scars or wounds on another person they are hurt and shocked, and become angry towards people who walk around with such marks visible to them. This of course isn't your fault, but it's not theirs either. What I'm saying is that you make the choice to show your scars and that affects me because I have to listen to everyone talking angrily about how much they hate cutters. I think its idealistic to think one has the right to show their scars, because they completely ignore the fact that it does hurt people to be faced with such violence, there's no question about it, and this unfortunately leads to these people turning around and hurting those who do take the effort to hide their pain, as they all get together and proudly talk of how much they hate cutters. I'm not saying it's your fault, and if you are proud to show your scars then good for you, but it does take its toll on others and that's the reality.

So, what you've just said is that, to put it simply: it's the fault of those who don't hide their scars that you have to sit there and listen to how much people hate cutters. Guess what. We all have to sit there and listen to how much people despise cutters. It's not just you. I cut on my leg. That is the only place I cut. My shin, to be exact. Yet, I wear shorts. I wear capris. People have asked about the scars, and I haven't always told them the truth. I don't wear my scars proudly, but I also don't hide them shamefully. If you have to hide your scars, what does that tell you about your conscience? Hiding scars displays that you are fully aware of what you're doing, yet you are ashamed and in denial. I do not hide my scars because I have accepted that I am a "cutter"--I know that what I am doing is harmful and dangerous, and I know that I need help. I don't require attention for my scars, nor do I need to cry out for help. If I need guidance or assistance, I ask for it. Simple. Yet, I have to sit there and listen to the same sh*t that you do. I have to suck it up when my peers use self-harm as a joke. But I refuse to be belittled by them. I will wear normal clothes because I am simply a normal person with issues that need resolved. I will not overcompensate for/hide my self-inflicted scars. I will not hide from judgement, nor will I deny who I am. Hiding is a cowardly thing to do. So before you criticize those who do not hide, think about what kind of a message you are portraying for your fellow cutters by covering up your shame.

[mrs_chester_bennington]

Rikki Rottenheart

mrs_chester_bennington

You've given one reason, and the reason it still hurts me is because when people see scars or wounds on another person they are hurt and shocked, and become angry towards people who walk around with such marks visible to them. This of course isn't your fault, but it's not theirs either. What I'm saying is that you make the choice to show your scars and that affects me because I have to listen to everyone talking angrily about how much they hate cutters. I think its idealistic to think one has the right to show their scars, because they completely ignore the fact that it does hurt people to be faced with such violence, there's no question about it, and this unfortunately leads to these people turning around and hurting those who do take the effort to hide their pain, as they all get together and proudly talk of how much they hate cutters. I'm not saying it's your fault, and if you are proud to show your scars then good for you, but it does take its toll on others and that's the reality.

So, what you've just said is that, to put it simply: it's the fault of those who don't hide their scars that you have to sit there and listen to how much people hate cutters. Guess what. We all have to sit there and listen to how much people despise cutters. It's not just you. I cut on my leg. That is the only place I cut. My shin, to be exact. Yet, I wear shorts. I wear capris. People have asked about the scars, and I haven't always told them the truth. I don't wear my scars proudly, but I also don't hide them shamefully. If you have to hide your scars, what does that tell you about your conscience? Hiding scars displays that you are fully aware of what you're doing, yet you are ashamed and in denial. I do not hide my scars because I have accepted that I am a "cutter"--I know that what I am doing is harmful and dangerous, and I know that I need help. I don't require attention for my scars, nor do I need to cry out for help. If I need guidance or assistance, I ask for it. Simple. Yet, I have to sit there and listen to the same sh*t that you do. I have to suck it up when my peers use self-harm as a joke. But I refuse to be belittled by them. I will wear normal clothes because I am simply a normal person with issues that need resolved. I will not overcompensate for/hide my self-inflicted scars. I will not hide from judgement, nor will I deny who I am. Hiding is a cowardly thing to do. So before you criticize those who do not hide, think about what kind of a message you are portraying for your fellow cutters by covering up your shame.

I know we all have to sit there and listen to it. But it's the ones who do show their scars who instigate people to talk about it. They never used to, at least not half as much as what they do today. What I'm saying is that people who do show their scars are the ones that should face the consequences of constant repression, and yet those of us who have worked to avoid that have to go down with you and you don't even give a damn. It's not your fault that society hates cutters, but you know that showing your scars is what causes that hate, and you don't care that everyone who cuts has to deal with that repression that you now knowingly bring about.

It'd be fair enough if you didn't want to hide from judgement, but in the real world you're putting all of us under scrutiny.

You try to call me 'elitist' for stating the unfortunate truth of the matter, and then go on to make assumptions about me before going on about how great you are for accepting that you are a cutter. Well guess what, I'm perfectly accepting of my cutting too. It's not a problem for me, it's not an issue to hide because I only cut on my waist so no one can ever see it, and I really don't appreciate being called a coward by an idealistic, hypocritical elitist who's so ready to attack people for pointing out what you're doing to them as well as yourself.
The truth is there is nothing cowardly about being modest about where I choose to cut. I cover them to protect the people around me from being hurt, as I don't believe in putting my problems on others by showing them something that I know they will genuinely find gruesome, shocking and painful to see. That has always been my reason for hiding it, because I don't want to hurt other people in hurting myself. You obviously have no concept of that.