There was a post over on AskBME today in which the criticism was re-raised that I don’t soft-censor cutting images due to issues of “triggering”… This was my response:
First of all, as I’ve said before, if someone is mentally ill to the point where they can not control their own actions, they should be seeking help, not reading BME. This applies to all parts of BME.
Seriously, if you are unable to take responsibility for your own actions, DO NOT put yourself in harms way by reading BME.
BME is intended for healthy individuals who enjoy a positive experience in body modification and ritual. I do not believe that the site should be geared toward people for whom body modification/ritual is an illness.
The REALITY is that when we’re talking about “triggering”, the piercing sections, tattoo sections, and so on are far more triggering — it’s just that fewer readers see being triggered in these areas as a negative thing. Singling out the cutting section is largely a game of POLITICS, not genuine concern for the underlying problem that people are deeply influenced by the actions of others. I feel very much that pretending that what amounts to “peer pressure” is a problem unique to the cutting section of the site is a mistake.
Now, I understand that I tend to take a somewhat no-compromises or radical stance on these matters rather than seeking out the safe or mainstream stance that most people feel is “reasonable” (and I appreciate how one could come to the opposite conclusion), but I really do think it’s important to be honest about this being much more about politics and cultural bias than anything else. Ignoring the fact that it’s very difficult to make a compelling objective case that differentiates cutting from play piercing, suspension, pulling, and other ritual that’s rarely decried, the truth of the matter is that when it comes to triggering, the whole site is a giant trigger for those who are prone to being influenced by peer pressure.
One of the reasons I know this is that if I post a particularly nice serious of photos of a modification, I’ll almost always receive an influx of that particular modification over the next little while, as people see the pictures and decide that it’s something they want to do as well. How many times have I seen comments along the lines of “this makes me really want to suspend” or “this makes me really want to get another tattoo” and so on? Even in a culture that’s steeped in the concept of individualism, the truth is that a significant percentage of people are deeply influenced and “triggered” by the actions of others.
Again, I’d strongly urge people who are not able to take responsibility for their own actions (let alone control their own actions) not read BME (or at least the sections of BME that they’re not comfortable around) or other “triggering” media and get the help they need so they can be happy and self-empowered individuals. I’m sorry if some people feel that makes light of their mental illness, but I’d like to keep BME focused on people for whom body modification and ritual is a positive force, not those who see it as a mental illness.
And now, a beautiful butterfly play piercing by Kevin:
See more in “Ritual and Play Piercing“ (Ritual)
Comments
268 responses to “What is triggering?”
(sorry I have no idea why that link comes up)
(sorry I have no idea why that link comes up)
I agree with you. I have had a problem with cutting since I was 12. I realize there is stuff on this website that could be considered “triggering” for me, so I just avoid what might make me uncomfortable looking at.
It’s that simple.
I agree with you. I have had a problem with cutting since I was 12. I realize there is stuff on this website that could be considered “triggering” for me, so I just avoid what might make me uncomfortable looking at.
It’s that simple.
I agree with you. I have had a problem with cutting since I was 12. I realize there is stuff on this website that could be considered “triggering” for me, so I just avoid what might make me uncomfortable looking at.
It’s that simple.
I agree with you. I have had a problem with cutting since I was 12. I realize there is stuff on this website that could be considered “triggering” for me, so I just avoid what might make me uncomfortable looking at.
It’s that simple.
I think it’s awesome that modblog includes this stuff.
There are people who respond badly to any stimulus you care to name. If we start censoring them all, pretty soon there will be no artistic expression of any kind. Alcoholics can be triggered by exposure to alcohol, ex-smokers can lapse if exposed to even the slightest HINT of stress, and so on. So should we ban bars and corner stores?
Any cutters who can’t control themselves should go read some other site — there are billions of websites that DON’T depict cutting, and only a handful that do. It’s not hard to avoid them.
I think it’s awesome that modblog includes this stuff.
There are people who respond badly to any stimulus you care to name. If we start censoring them all, pretty soon there will be no artistic expression of any kind. Alcoholics can be triggered by exposure to alcohol, ex-smokers can lapse if exposed to even the slightest HINT of stress, and so on. So should we ban bars and corner stores?
Any cutters who can’t control themselves should go read some other site — there are billions of websites that DON’T depict cutting, and only a handful that do. It’s not hard to avoid them.
I think it’s awesome that modblog includes this stuff.
There are people who respond badly to any stimulus you care to name. If we start censoring them all, pretty soon there will be no artistic expression of any kind. Alcoholics can be triggered by exposure to alcohol, ex-smokers can lapse if exposed to even the slightest HINT of stress, and so on. So should we ban bars and corner stores?
Any cutters who can’t control themselves should go read some other site — there are billions of websites that DON’T depict cutting, and only a handful that do. It’s not hard to avoid them.
I think it’s awesome that modblog includes this stuff.
There are people who respond badly to any stimulus you care to name. If we start censoring them all, pretty soon there will be no artistic expression of any kind. Alcoholics can be triggered by exposure to alcohol, ex-smokers can lapse if exposed to even the slightest HINT of stress, and so on. So should we ban bars and corner stores?
Any cutters who can’t control themselves should go read some other site — there are billions of websites that DON’T depict cutting, and only a handful that do. It’s not hard to avoid them.
Honestly, I see a lot of the modifications on the site as beautiful or interesting, but it doesn’t make me what to do them. I choose my modifications carefully, when I know I’m ready for them and ready for the long term consequences. Unfortunately our Western culture doesn’t often think about the long term. This may be a part of the “oh that looks cool/pretty/whatever, I want to do it too!” mentality. We are addicted to instant gratification. Maybe if we held off on that gratification sometimes it would become a bigger experience, and less of a regret.
Honestly, I see a lot of the modifications on the site as beautiful or interesting, but it doesn’t make me what to do them. I choose my modifications carefully, when I know I’m ready for them and ready for the long term consequences. Unfortunately our Western culture doesn’t often think about the long term. This may be a part of the “oh that looks cool/pretty/whatever, I want to do it too!” mentality. We are addicted to instant gratification. Maybe if we held off on that gratification sometimes it would become a bigger experience, and less of a regret.
Honestly, I see a lot of the modifications on the site as beautiful or interesting, but it doesn’t make me what to do them. I choose my modifications carefully, when I know I’m ready for them and ready for the long term consequences. Unfortunately our Western culture doesn’t often think about the long term. This may be a part of the “oh that looks cool/pretty/whatever, I want to do it too!” mentality. We are addicted to instant gratification. Maybe if we held off on that gratification sometimes it would become a bigger experience, and less of a regret.
Honestly, I see a lot of the modifications on the site as beautiful or interesting, but it doesn’t make me what to do them. I choose my modifications carefully, when I know I’m ready for them and ready for the long term consequences. Unfortunately our Western culture doesn’t often think about the long term. This may be a part of the “oh that looks cool/pretty/whatever, I want to do it too!” mentality. We are addicted to instant gratification. Maybe if we held off on that gratification sometimes it would become a bigger experience, and less of a regret.
I went thru a period of negative self mutilation as an adult.
I worked very hard to see what was behind the issue, and what was driving me to put my frustrations into these negative actions. I found my issue was the feeling of being out of control and helpless in my life in general. So I took some control.
Simply put: I got tired of that feeling. I had my back to the wall and I got out. I stopped hurting myself and refused to go down. Then I began baby steps to get other parts of my life in order.
My way isn’t everyone’s way. Everyone is different. And for a while, mutilation actually helped. Then it turned negative and useless (for me). So I quit. It was NOT easy but being between a rock and a hard place I just didn’t need the added misery of cutting and burning myself while being burdened with other issues in my life and creating a cycle.
The pictures do NOT trigger me. Since I said “fuck that shit” I have uninvolved myself with it and have found other ways to redirect my feelings of helplessness. I switched jobs, I write a lot, I’m into a more positive form of body modification (ink) and I’ve involved myself with animal care.
I’m sure the cutting pics trigger some people. My only suggestion would be to find things to UNTRIGGER the urge. Namely, other ways to diffuse the situations in your life that result in cutting. Getting to the root of the underlying problems…
I went thru a period of negative self mutilation as an adult.
I worked very hard to see what was behind the issue, and what was driving me to put my frustrations into these negative actions. I found my issue was the feeling of being out of control and helpless in my life in general. So I took some control.
Simply put: I got tired of that feeling. I had my back to the wall and I got out. I stopped hurting myself and refused to go down. Then I began baby steps to get other parts of my life in order.
My way isn’t everyone’s way. Everyone is different. And for a while, mutilation actually helped. Then it turned negative and useless (for me). So I quit. It was NOT easy but being between a rock and a hard place I just didn’t need the added misery of cutting and burning myself while being burdened with other issues in my life and creating a cycle.
The pictures do NOT trigger me. Since I said “fuck that shit” I have uninvolved myself with it and have found other ways to redirect my feelings of helplessness. I switched jobs, I write a lot, I’m into a more positive form of body modification (ink) and I’ve involved myself with animal care.
I’m sure the cutting pics trigger some people. My only suggestion would be to find things to UNTRIGGER the urge. Namely, other ways to diffuse the situations in your life that result in cutting. Getting to the root of the underlying problems…
I went thru a period of negative self mutilation as an adult.
I worked very hard to see what was behind the issue, and what was driving me to put my frustrations into these negative actions. I found my issue was the feeling of being out of control and helpless in my life in general. So I took some control.
Simply put: I got tired of that feeling. I had my back to the wall and I got out. I stopped hurting myself and refused to go down. Then I began baby steps to get other parts of my life in order.
My way isn’t everyone’s way. Everyone is different. And for a while, mutilation actually helped. Then it turned negative and useless (for me). So I quit. It was NOT easy but being between a rock and a hard place I just didn’t need the added misery of cutting and burning myself while being burdened with other issues in my life and creating a cycle.
The pictures do NOT trigger me. Since I said “fuck that shit” I have uninvolved myself with it and have found other ways to redirect my feelings of helplessness. I switched jobs, I write a lot, I’m into a more positive form of body modification (ink) and I’ve involved myself with animal care.
I’m sure the cutting pics trigger some people. My only suggestion would be to find things to UNTRIGGER the urge. Namely, other ways to diffuse the situations in your life that result in cutting. Getting to the root of the underlying problems…
I went thru a period of negative self mutilation as an adult.
I worked very hard to see what was behind the issue, and what was driving me to put my frustrations into these negative actions. I found my issue was the feeling of being out of control and helpless in my life in general. So I took some control.
Simply put: I got tired of that feeling. I had my back to the wall and I got out. I stopped hurting myself and refused to go down. Then I began baby steps to get other parts of my life in order.
My way isn’t everyone’s way. Everyone is different. And for a while, mutilation actually helped. Then it turned negative and useless (for me). So I quit. It was NOT easy but being between a rock and a hard place I just didn’t need the added misery of cutting and burning myself while being burdened with other issues in my life and creating a cycle.
The pictures do NOT trigger me. Since I said “fuck that shit” I have uninvolved myself with it and have found other ways to redirect my feelings of helplessness. I switched jobs, I write a lot, I’m into a more positive form of body modification (ink) and I’ve involved myself with animal care.
I’m sure the cutting pics trigger some people. My only suggestion would be to find things to UNTRIGGER the urge. Namely, other ways to diffuse the situations in your life that result in cutting. Getting to the root of the underlying problems…
I think it’s important for some of the people here who are saying “I don’t self-harm any more” to remember that things can be very different when you’re in the thick of the illness. It’s easy to say “I took responsibility”, but there are a lot of people out there who desperately want to stop and for whom it’s not that easy.
I think it’s important for some of the people here who are saying “I don’t self-harm any more” to remember that things can be very different when you’re in the thick of the illness. It’s easy to say “I took responsibility”, but there are a lot of people out there who desperately want to stop and for whom it’s not that easy.
I think it’s important for some of the people here who are saying “I don’t self-harm any more” to remember that things can be very different when you’re in the thick of the illness. It’s easy to say “I took responsibility”, but there are a lot of people out there who desperately want to stop and for whom it’s not that easy.
I think it’s important for some of the people here who are saying “I don’t self-harm any more” to remember that things can be very different when you’re in the thick of the illness. It’s easy to say “I took responsibility”, but there are a lot of people out there who desperately want to stop and for whom it’s not that easy.
(ftr, I’m recovered as well.)
(ftr, I’m recovered as well.)
(ftr, I’m recovered as well.)
(ftr, I’m recovered as well.)
redredred:
I think #31 (DuckieVamp) may have been responding to me, rather than you – my comment was number 26 when i first posted it, some more comments must have come through moderation (as it’s now number 30).
To which I have to say: I posted in my comment that I have engaged in both self-harm and (positive) ritual cutting. I’m frankly astounded at your arrogance that you try to tell me that I “obviously haven’t” simply because I take a position on the subject that is apparently different to yours.
I assure you my experience with both types of cutting – mine and others – is extensive, and my opinion is well considered and developed.
redredred:
I think #31 (DuckieVamp) may have been responding to me, rather than you – my comment was number 26 when i first posted it, some more comments must have come through moderation (as it’s now number 30).
To which I have to say: I posted in my comment that I have engaged in both self-harm and (positive) ritual cutting. I’m frankly astounded at your arrogance that you try to tell me that I “obviously haven’t” simply because I take a position on the subject that is apparently different to yours.
I assure you my experience with both types of cutting – mine and others – is extensive, and my opinion is well considered and developed.
redredred:
I think #31 (DuckieVamp) may have been responding to me, rather than you – my comment was number 26 when i first posted it, some more comments must have come through moderation (as it’s now number 30).
To which I have to say: I posted in my comment that I have engaged in both self-harm and (positive) ritual cutting. I’m frankly astounded at your arrogance that you try to tell me that I “obviously haven’t” simply because I take a position on the subject that is apparently different to yours.
I assure you my experience with both types of cutting – mine and others – is extensive, and my opinion is well considered and developed.
redredred:
I think #31 (DuckieVamp) may have been responding to me, rather than you – my comment was number 26 when i first posted it, some more comments must have come through moderation (as it’s now number 30).
To which I have to say: I posted in my comment that I have engaged in both self-harm and (positive) ritual cutting. I’m frankly astounded at your arrogance that you try to tell me that I “obviously haven’t” simply because I take a position on the subject that is apparently different to yours.
I assure you my experience with both types of cutting – mine and others – is extensive, and my opinion is well considered and developed.
Once again, Shannon makes a fairly convincing argument. I’m not sure I’m entirely convinced, however, particularly in view of his willingness to feature behaviours that would certainly be viewed by many as manifestations of mental illness (amputation comes to mind).
For example, what makes body building a “modification” and anorexia pathological? When do body building and weight loss cross the line? Clearly decisions are being made about what to feature and what not to feature — I can only imagine what’s on the reject pile — so what are the criteria? The argument often seems to be that if it makes the person happy and s/he can “take responsibility” for it, then it’s ok. I’m not sure that’s an entirely useful approach. I wonder how many people would really agree that a professed lack of concern about losing one’s sight as a result of a cosmetic procedure can really be considered “healthy,” for instance.
As for this particular issue, I’m of two minds. On the one hand, anyone who’s familiar with BME has some idea of what to expect. On the other hand, I think most people recognize that otherwise healthy people can be negatively affected by certain things. Ultimately, I don’t see that placing certain images behind a clickthrough in acknowledgement that for some people they can result in unwanted behaviours is censorship or political game-playing, especially since certain (often sexual) images are already placed behind clickthroughs (clicksthrough?). What’s the difference?
Once again, Shannon makes a fairly convincing argument. I’m not sure I’m entirely convinced, however, particularly in view of his willingness to feature behaviours that would certainly be viewed by many as manifestations of mental illness (amputation comes to mind).
For example, what makes body building a “modification” and anorexia pathological? When do body building and weight loss cross the line? Clearly decisions are being made about what to feature and what not to feature — I can only imagine what’s on the reject pile — so what are the criteria? The argument often seems to be that if it makes the person happy and s/he can “take responsibility” for it, then it’s ok. I’m not sure that’s an entirely useful approach. I wonder how many people would really agree that a professed lack of concern about losing one’s sight as a result of a cosmetic procedure can really be considered “healthy,” for instance.
As for this particular issue, I’m of two minds. On the one hand, anyone who’s familiar with BME has some idea of what to expect. On the other hand, I think most people recognize that otherwise healthy people can be negatively affected by certain things. Ultimately, I don’t see that placing certain images behind a clickthrough in acknowledgement that for some people they can result in unwanted behaviours is censorship or political game-playing, especially since certain (often sexual) images are already placed behind clickthroughs (clicksthrough?). What’s the difference?
Once again, Shannon makes a fairly convincing argument. I’m not sure I’m entirely convinced, however, particularly in view of his willingness to feature behaviours that would certainly be viewed by many as manifestations of mental illness (amputation comes to mind).
For example, what makes body building a “modification” and anorexia pathological? When do body building and weight loss cross the line? Clearly decisions are being made about what to feature and what not to feature — I can only imagine what’s on the reject pile — so what are the criteria? The argument often seems to be that if it makes the person happy and s/he can “take responsibility” for it, then it’s ok. I’m not sure that’s an entirely useful approach. I wonder how many people would really agree that a professed lack of concern about losing one’s sight as a result of a cosmetic procedure can really be considered “healthy,” for instance.
As for this particular issue, I’m of two minds. On the one hand, anyone who’s familiar with BME has some idea of what to expect. On the other hand, I think most people recognize that otherwise healthy people can be negatively affected by certain things. Ultimately, I don’t see that placing certain images behind a clickthrough in acknowledgement that for some people they can result in unwanted behaviours is censorship or political game-playing, especially since certain (often sexual) images are already placed behind clickthroughs (clicksthrough?). What’s the difference?
Once again, Shannon makes a fairly convincing argument. I’m not sure I’m entirely convinced, however, particularly in view of his willingness to feature behaviours that would certainly be viewed by many as manifestations of mental illness (amputation comes to mind).
For example, what makes body building a “modification” and anorexia pathological? When do body building and weight loss cross the line? Clearly decisions are being made about what to feature and what not to feature — I can only imagine what’s on the reject pile — so what are the criteria? The argument often seems to be that if it makes the person happy and s/he can “take responsibility” for it, then it’s ok. I’m not sure that’s an entirely useful approach. I wonder how many people would really agree that a professed lack of concern about losing one’s sight as a result of a cosmetic procedure can really be considered “healthy,” for instance.
As for this particular issue, I’m of two minds. On the one hand, anyone who’s familiar with BME has some idea of what to expect. On the other hand, I think most people recognize that otherwise healthy people can be negatively affected by certain things. Ultimately, I don’t see that placing certain images behind a clickthrough in acknowledgement that for some people they can result in unwanted behaviours is censorship or political game-playing, especially since certain (often sexual) images are already placed behind clickthroughs (clicksthrough?). What’s the difference?
#46, I agree…the clickthrough will probably make people want to look even more. That’s human nature.
And there are clearly risks in any type of body mod. Personally, I would never engage in nullo…yet I can understand why some do. Yes, there are risks that individuals take upon themselves.
And anything can be taken to the point of obsession, dangerous obsession, whether it’s body building or collecting newspapers.
People have different opinions at what point something becomes “dangerous” or “negative” or what constitures “mental illness”.
So I guess the bottom line would be that BME isn’t a role model or babysitter. It isn’t out to police anyone. And if it ceased to exist, people trolling for images and stories of risky/odd/cutting/sexual/pick-your-poison would find them somewhere else.
Of course, it could be argued, then why should BME go out of it’s way to add content that could be “triggering” (self-harm specifically) when it can be found in other places on the web?
(ie: we don’t need it here.)
Well…because it CAN. And the individual can choose not to visit BME or at least some of it’s galleries.
Besides, if the cutting pics/stories were cut (no pun intended) what would be next? Nullo? CBT? Suspension? Basic piercing? Remember, in some individuals, basic piercing can be an issue, from obsession to waring with parents over it. And tho extremely rare, people have died because of piercing-related infection. So should piercing be taken down?
Where do you draw the line?
Which practice takes precedent over another? Because cutting is more well-known should it take precedent over say, CBT that’s gone to a point of unhealthy, negative feelings by the person doing it?
BME can’t police the vast array of individuals that make up this world. And they shouldn’t try.
#46, I agree…the clickthrough will probably make people want to look even more. That’s human nature.
And there are clearly risks in any type of body mod. Personally, I would never engage in nullo…yet I can understand why some do. Yes, there are risks that individuals take upon themselves.
And anything can be taken to the point of obsession, dangerous obsession, whether it’s body building or collecting newspapers.
People have different opinions at what point something becomes “dangerous” or “negative” or what constitures “mental illness”.
So I guess the bottom line would be that BME isn’t a role model or babysitter. It isn’t out to police anyone. And if it ceased to exist, people trolling for images and stories of risky/odd/cutting/sexual/pick-your-poison would find them somewhere else.
Of course, it could be argued, then why should BME go out of it’s way to add content that could be “triggering” (self-harm specifically) when it can be found in other places on the web?
(ie: we don’t need it here.)
Well…because it CAN. And the individual can choose not to visit BME or at least some of it’s galleries.
Besides, if the cutting pics/stories were cut (no pun intended) what would be next? Nullo? CBT? Suspension? Basic piercing? Remember, in some individuals, basic piercing can be an issue, from obsession to waring with parents over it. And tho extremely rare, people have died because of piercing-related infection. So should piercing be taken down?
Where do you draw the line?
Which practice takes precedent over another? Because cutting is more well-known should it take precedent over say, CBT that’s gone to a point of unhealthy, negative feelings by the person doing it?
BME can’t police the vast array of individuals that make up this world. And they shouldn’t try.
#46, I agree…the clickthrough will probably make people want to look even more. That’s human nature.
And there are clearly risks in any type of body mod. Personally, I would never engage in nullo…yet I can understand why some do. Yes, there are risks that individuals take upon themselves.
And anything can be taken to the point of obsession, dangerous obsession, whether it’s body building or collecting newspapers.
People have different opinions at what point something becomes “dangerous” or “negative” or what constitures “mental illness”.
So I guess the bottom line would be that BME isn’t a role model or babysitter. It isn’t out to police anyone. And if it ceased to exist, people trolling for images and stories of risky/odd/cutting/sexual/pick-your-poison would find them somewhere else.
Of course, it could be argued, then why should BME go out of it’s way to add content that could be “triggering” (self-harm specifically) when it can be found in other places on the web?
(ie: we don’t need it here.)
Well…because it CAN. And the individual can choose not to visit BME or at least some of it’s galleries.
Besides, if the cutting pics/stories were cut (no pun intended) what would be next? Nullo? CBT? Suspension? Basic piercing? Remember, in some individuals, basic piercing can be an issue, from obsession to waring with parents over it. And tho extremely rare, people have died because of piercing-related infection. So should piercing be taken down?
Where do you draw the line?
Which practice takes precedent over another? Because cutting is more well-known should it take precedent over say, CBT that’s gone to a point of unhealthy, negative feelings by the person doing it?
BME can’t police the vast array of individuals that make up this world. And they shouldn’t try.
#46, I agree…the clickthrough will probably make people want to look even more. That’s human nature.
And there are clearly risks in any type of body mod. Personally, I would never engage in nullo…yet I can understand why some do. Yes, there are risks that individuals take upon themselves.
And anything can be taken to the point of obsession, dangerous obsession, whether it’s body building or collecting newspapers.
People have different opinions at what point something becomes “dangerous” or “negative” or what constitures “mental illness”.
So I guess the bottom line would be that BME isn’t a role model or babysitter. It isn’t out to police anyone. And if it ceased to exist, people trolling for images and stories of risky/odd/cutting/sexual/pick-your-poison would find them somewhere else.
Of course, it could be argued, then why should BME go out of it’s way to add content that could be “triggering” (self-harm specifically) when it can be found in other places on the web?
(ie: we don’t need it here.)
Well…because it CAN. And the individual can choose not to visit BME or at least some of it’s galleries.
Besides, if the cutting pics/stories were cut (no pun intended) what would be next? Nullo? CBT? Suspension? Basic piercing? Remember, in some individuals, basic piercing can be an issue, from obsession to waring with parents over it. And tho extremely rare, people have died because of piercing-related infection. So should piercing be taken down?
Where do you draw the line?
Which practice takes precedent over another? Because cutting is more well-known should it take precedent over say, CBT that’s gone to a point of unhealthy, negative feelings by the person doing it?
BME can’t police the vast array of individuals that make up this world. And they shouldn’t try.
i admit the site triggers me- every time I see a beautiful tattoo I want to run out and get my next beautiful tattoo.
I am triggered by lots of things in life- sometimes it is a surprise to me even-
When i start altering my surroundings to avoid the triggers- I am narrowing my experiences in life “just in case”. When the what ifs start over riding the joy i can find in life i am giving more power to my original traumas.
Regaining my power is important to me- people can be at all sorts of levels of healing and I honoring those seeking a healthy happy life, but i think there is a lot to be said about accountability.
Asking other to limit their experiences as a “just in case” preventative tool seems unfair.
I like seeing the images. Many to me speak of those who have moved from a place of self harm to self love- i see it as empowering.
everyone will see it differently- and I hope those who find it challenging can find their peace.
i admit the site triggers me- every time I see a beautiful tattoo I want to run out and get my next beautiful tattoo.
I am triggered by lots of things in life- sometimes it is a surprise to me even-
When i start altering my surroundings to avoid the triggers- I am narrowing my experiences in life “just in case”. When the what ifs start over riding the joy i can find in life i am giving more power to my original traumas.
Regaining my power is important to me- people can be at all sorts of levels of healing and I honoring those seeking a healthy happy life, but i think there is a lot to be said about accountability.
Asking other to limit their experiences as a “just in case” preventative tool seems unfair.
I like seeing the images. Many to me speak of those who have moved from a place of self harm to self love- i see it as empowering.
everyone will see it differently- and I hope those who find it challenging can find their peace.
i admit the site triggers me- every time I see a beautiful tattoo I want to run out and get my next beautiful tattoo.
I am triggered by lots of things in life- sometimes it is a surprise to me even-
When i start altering my surroundings to avoid the triggers- I am narrowing my experiences in life “just in case”. When the what ifs start over riding the joy i can find in life i am giving more power to my original traumas.
Regaining my power is important to me- people can be at all sorts of levels of healing and I honoring those seeking a healthy happy life, but i think there is a lot to be said about accountability.
Asking other to limit their experiences as a “just in case” preventative tool seems unfair.
I like seeing the images. Many to me speak of those who have moved from a place of self harm to self love- i see it as empowering.
everyone will see it differently- and I hope those who find it challenging can find their peace.
i admit the site triggers me- every time I see a beautiful tattoo I want to run out and get my next beautiful tattoo.
I am triggered by lots of things in life- sometimes it is a surprise to me even-
When i start altering my surroundings to avoid the triggers- I am narrowing my experiences in life “just in case”. When the what ifs start over riding the joy i can find in life i am giving more power to my original traumas.
Regaining my power is important to me- people can be at all sorts of levels of healing and I honoring those seeking a healthy happy life, but i think there is a lot to be said about accountability.
Asking other to limit their experiences as a “just in case” preventative tool seems unfair.
I like seeing the images. Many to me speak of those who have moved from a place of self harm to self love- i see it as empowering.
everyone will see it differently- and I hope those who find it challenging can find their peace.
hawkfeather, you expressed the way I feel in words I couldn’t find. Thank you =)
hawkfeather, you expressed the way I feel in words I couldn’t find. Thank you =)
hawkfeather, you expressed the way I feel in words I couldn’t find. Thank you =)
hawkfeather, you expressed the way I feel in words I couldn’t find. Thank you =)
I don’t usually post on the comments section, I read them daily, but tend to keep to myself. This however has struck a nerve in me, and I feel compelled to write something. I have been self harming, specifically cutting, since I was about 14. I find it a release to my inner feelings brought on by severe depression and bipolar disorder nos. While I have not stopped I have limited myself to moments where I can just not deal with things anymore and need something more I guess. I have had varying reactions from psychiatrists and therapists alike. I have never hurt myself to the extent that I need stitches, and I know how to properly care for my wounds so they do not become infected. I feel that the doctors that have known me well enough, or maybe even cared enough, believe that it is just a bad coping mechanism to deal with my inner hatred. Others claim that it will lead to my self destruction and if I do not control it I will end up severely hurting myself one day. I never had a negative attitude toward cutting until my most recent therapist. I feel that it is not necessarily good, but sometimes it is the only way for me to deal with my inner pain by causing physical pain which then I am able to focus on and the inner hurt seems to dissipate. It is my choice to hurt myself, and I feel that if it is done in a controlled environment with some sensibility there is nothing necessarily wrong or shameful about it. I even got kicked out of group therapy at one point for voicing my opinion that another guy was ok and shouldn’t be put down by the rest of the group because he had hurt himself. I feel torn between two opinions on the same subject, one that it is alright just a poor coping mechanism and that there is nothing seriously wrong with me, other than I might be a bit of a masochist. And the other side that my new therapist is trying to ingrain upon me that it is completely wrong, and shameful. She has even gone so far as to say that my piercings and tattoos are a part of my self injury, and that I should be ashamed of them as well. I have submitted pictures to both the ritual cutting gallery and the play piercing gallery, and I am not ashamed. I am not ashamed of my scars, and have come to realize that it will just be a part of me. I feel in no way compelled to hurt myself when viewing such images, because I know I do it for different reasons than everyone else. Everyone has there own reason for it. Self control is a virtue, and if someone does view these galleries and feel the need to hurt themselves then it is their own decision, no one else’s. I would like to stop cutting eventually, but I know for know until I find something to fill the void that it fills I probably will not, and I can proudly say that I am ok with this no matter what some half-assed therapist tries to tell me. I have come to love my body the way that it is, intentional scars or unintentional scars. Some have specific meaning behind them, and others just remind me of how unstable life can be at times.
No one should put down or shame someone for their decisions or actions regarding their own body.
I don’t usually post on the comments section, I read them daily, but tend to keep to myself. This however has struck a nerve in me, and I feel compelled to write something. I have been self harming, specifically cutting, since I was about 14. I find it a release to my inner feelings brought on by severe depression and bipolar disorder nos. While I have not stopped I have limited myself to moments where I can just not deal with things anymore and need something more I guess. I have had varying reactions from psychiatrists and therapists alike. I have never hurt myself to the extent that I need stitches, and I know how to properly care for my wounds so they do not become infected. I feel that the doctors that have known me well enough, or maybe even cared enough, believe that it is just a bad coping mechanism to deal with my inner hatred. Others claim that it will lead to my self destruction and if I do not control it I will end up severely hurting myself one day. I never had a negative attitude toward cutting until my most recent therapist. I feel that it is not necessarily good, but sometimes it is the only way for me to deal with my inner pain by causing physical pain which then I am able to focus on and the inner hurt seems to dissipate. It is my choice to hurt myself, and I feel that if it is done in a controlled environment with some sensibility there is nothing necessarily wrong or shameful about it. I even got kicked out of group therapy at one point for voicing my opinion that another guy was ok and shouldn’t be put down by the rest of the group because he had hurt himself. I feel torn between two opinions on the same subject, one that it is alright just a poor coping mechanism and that there is nothing seriously wrong with me, other than I might be a bit of a masochist. And the other side that my new therapist is trying to ingrain upon me that it is completely wrong, and shameful. She has even gone so far as to say that my piercings and tattoos are a part of my self injury, and that I should be ashamed of them as well. I have submitted pictures to both the ritual cutting gallery and the play piercing gallery, and I am not ashamed. I am not ashamed of my scars, and have come to realize that it will just be a part of me. I feel in no way compelled to hurt myself when viewing such images, because I know I do it for different reasons than everyone else. Everyone has there own reason for it. Self control is a virtue, and if someone does view these galleries and feel the need to hurt themselves then it is their own decision, no one else’s. I would like to stop cutting eventually, but I know for know until I find something to fill the void that it fills I probably will not, and I can proudly say that I am ok with this no matter what some half-assed therapist tries to tell me. I have come to love my body the way that it is, intentional scars or unintentional scars. Some have specific meaning behind them, and others just remind me of how unstable life can be at times.
No one should put down or shame someone for their decisions or actions regarding their own body.
I don’t usually post on the comments section, I read them daily, but tend to keep to myself. This however has struck a nerve in me, and I feel compelled to write something. I have been self harming, specifically cutting, since I was about 14. I find it a release to my inner feelings brought on by severe depression and bipolar disorder nos. While I have not stopped I have limited myself to moments where I can just not deal with things anymore and need something more I guess. I have had varying reactions from psychiatrists and therapists alike. I have never hurt myself to the extent that I need stitches, and I know how to properly care for my wounds so they do not become infected. I feel that the doctors that have known me well enough, or maybe even cared enough, believe that it is just a bad coping mechanism to deal with my inner hatred. Others claim that it will lead to my self destruction and if I do not control it I will end up severely hurting myself one day. I never had a negative attitude toward cutting until my most recent therapist. I feel that it is not necessarily good, but sometimes it is the only way for me to deal with my inner pain by causing physical pain which then I am able to focus on and the inner hurt seems to dissipate. It is my choice to hurt myself, and I feel that if it is done in a controlled environment with some sensibility there is nothing necessarily wrong or shameful about it. I even got kicked out of group therapy at one point for voicing my opinion that another guy was ok and shouldn’t be put down by the rest of the group because he had hurt himself. I feel torn between two opinions on the same subject, one that it is alright just a poor coping mechanism and that there is nothing seriously wrong with me, other than I might be a bit of a masochist. And the other side that my new therapist is trying to ingrain upon me that it is completely wrong, and shameful. She has even gone so far as to say that my piercings and tattoos are a part of my self injury, and that I should be ashamed of them as well. I have submitted pictures to both the ritual cutting gallery and the play piercing gallery, and I am not ashamed. I am not ashamed of my scars, and have come to realize that it will just be a part of me. I feel in no way compelled to hurt myself when viewing such images, because I know I do it for different reasons than everyone else. Everyone has there own reason for it. Self control is a virtue, and if someone does view these galleries and feel the need to hurt themselves then it is their own decision, no one else’s. I would like to stop cutting eventually, but I know for know until I find something to fill the void that it fills I probably will not, and I can proudly say that I am ok with this no matter what some half-assed therapist tries to tell me. I have come to love my body the way that it is, intentional scars or unintentional scars. Some have specific meaning behind them, and others just remind me of how unstable life can be at times.
No one should put down or shame someone for their decisions or actions regarding their own body.
I don’t usually post on the comments section, I read them daily, but tend to keep to myself. This however has struck a nerve in me, and I feel compelled to write something. I have been self harming, specifically cutting, since I was about 14. I find it a release to my inner feelings brought on by severe depression and bipolar disorder nos. While I have not stopped I have limited myself to moments where I can just not deal with things anymore and need something more I guess. I have had varying reactions from psychiatrists and therapists alike. I have never hurt myself to the extent that I need stitches, and I know how to properly care for my wounds so they do not become infected. I feel that the doctors that have known me well enough, or maybe even cared enough, believe that it is just a bad coping mechanism to deal with my inner hatred. Others claim that it will lead to my self destruction and if I do not control it I will end up severely hurting myself one day. I never had a negative attitude toward cutting until my most recent therapist. I feel that it is not necessarily good, but sometimes it is the only way for me to deal with my inner pain by causing physical pain which then I am able to focus on and the inner hurt seems to dissipate. It is my choice to hurt myself, and I feel that if it is done in a controlled environment with some sensibility there is nothing necessarily wrong or shameful about it. I even got kicked out of group therapy at one point for voicing my opinion that another guy was ok and shouldn’t be put down by the rest of the group because he had hurt himself. I feel torn between two opinions on the same subject, one that it is alright just a poor coping mechanism and that there is nothing seriously wrong with me, other than I might be a bit of a masochist. And the other side that my new therapist is trying to ingrain upon me that it is completely wrong, and shameful. She has even gone so far as to say that my piercings and tattoos are a part of my self injury, and that I should be ashamed of them as well. I have submitted pictures to both the ritual cutting gallery and the play piercing gallery, and I am not ashamed. I am not ashamed of my scars, and have come to realize that it will just be a part of me. I feel in no way compelled to hurt myself when viewing such images, because I know I do it for different reasons than everyone else. Everyone has there own reason for it. Self control is a virtue, and if someone does view these galleries and feel the need to hurt themselves then it is their own decision, no one else’s. I would like to stop cutting eventually, but I know for know until I find something to fill the void that it fills I probably will not, and I can proudly say that I am ok with this no matter what some half-assed therapist tries to tell me. I have come to love my body the way that it is, intentional scars or unintentional scars. Some have specific meaning behind them, and others just remind me of how unstable life can be at times.
No one should put down or shame someone for their decisions or actions regarding their own body.