Originally Posted by
Pierrot
I think a degree of "normalizing" is almost necessary in order for some people to be able to talk about it.
I see what you mean about there being a "competitive" edge to some of the threads, but honestly even that strikes me as a kind of lonely crying out--a need to be seen and heard in a way that some of us are simply not in our daily lives. Is it great? No. But bear in mind also that one of the most common reasons people turn to SI is lack of validation. If no one hears you when you're talking, you either shut up entirely...or you talk louder.
Maybe it's just me (and it probably is) but I think that being a member of a self-harm forum is enough validation. I agree that normalising happens here, and with a site where everyone has self-harmed it is inevitable. However, there is a fine line between accepting that we are all here for a reason and almost reveling in the fact that we self-harm. In some of these threads that is the sort of vibe I get. Some (not all!) feel like they are almost bragging about what they do. It's no wonder that those who scratch, or who have never been to A&E, or don't cut terribly deep can feel out of place and like they are not 'bad enough'.
I'd just like to add that I have no real problem with discussions that take place. It's just that I dislike the "it's ok to do this" attitude which is prevalent.