Though self-slashing is seen by many as extremist to some extent, it is stereotypical for an emo to self-slash. Most of them use penknifes which can be easily found or bought. However, some use rusty knives which can infect the wound.
The reasons for self-slashing varies, though the most typical reason is to 'release the emotional pain' that they felt. How then, does self-slashing 'release emotional pain'?
Well, it may be that these young people want to feel in control in this disparate situation that they are in. One way of feeling in control is to be able to cause harm. It is against the law to harm others or animals, so they only have themselves left as victims of their own harm. Also, by causing harm to themselves, they can feel the degree of pain they are inflicting, which in turn shows the amount of 'control' they have.
On the other hand, it may be because of the sense of satisfaction that they get from the slashing. This satisfaction may be derived from accomplishing something(the slashing) special or unique that is not usually done by others. Slashing to others causes pain so most normal people would not do it. They might feel that they have done something others would not dare venture into. However, this satisfaction is obviously mometary as along with the slashing comes with the pain and wounds. Also, others who see their wounds most probably would ask them about it, and, being their introverted selves, this would be seen as an intrusion into their lives.
To them, emotional and mental 'well-being' is more important to their health and physical safety.However, as the knife goes deeper into the flesh, it is symbolic of the child going deeper into the emotional trauma. Feeling the hurt and depression, they self-slash to relieve themselves. This turns into a vicious cycle and slashing becomes an addiction to them.
There are a few things a child can do to avert self-slashing. As young people, their friends mean a lot to them. They tell their worries and problems to their friends instead of parents(as some of these worries may concern their own parents). Sometimes they may not trust certain friends or their friends have better things to do with their time(like work), causing them to feel lonely and thus resort to slashing as an outlet for their troubled emotions.
As such, i would appeal to friends of these emos to care for them more; pay attention to their needs; and to listen them out, however busy you may be. Your friends are more important than yourselves.
Please, share some love and be more understanding.
The article can be found at
http://newslink.asiaone.com/user/OrderArticleRequest.action?order=&_sourcePage=%2FWEB-INF%2Fjsp%2Fuser%2Fsearch_type_result.jsp&month=01&year=2008&date=26&docLanguage=en&documentId=nica_ST_2008_7965888
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'Setting wayward youth back on the right path', The Straits Times 26/01/2008
