I'm a self injurer... and I talked to one of my friends about it ( BIG mistake, I know...) and now he won't stop calling me a "sadomasochist head"...... so... does being a self injurer make you a sadomasochist??
2006-09-11 11:22:46 · 9 answers · asked by Debbie 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
First off, your friend needs to get her terms straight. A sadomasochist is someone who derives pleasure (particularly sexual pleasure) from both sadism and masochism. Sadism is pleasure in the pain of others, and masochism is pleasure in one's own pain. I believe the word your friend was actually thinking of was masochism. I suggest to tell her that one next time she calls you a sadomasochist :)
That said, for some people, self-injury might be related to masochism. If you enjoy pain, it follows that you would enjoy inflicting pain on yourself. For a masochist, hurting themself might be more or less equivalent to masterbating.
But most people who self injure don't do it because they derive sexual pleasure from it. For some it's a way to relieve stress, or to punish themselves. For others it's a way to draw attention to psyological or emotional problems they need help with when they can't seem to get help any other way. Mainly, it's a coping mechanism. Not a healthy one, but a coping mechanism none the less. That has nothing to do with any form of masochism. Because cutting (or whatever other form of self injury) isn't enjoyable. You don't do it because you enjoy it, you do it because you need it.
I cut myself, so I understand where you're coming from. And, while some might argue that I'm a masochist for the course-load I'm taking, I shy away from pain just like anyone else unless I'm the one holding the knife. It's not about pleasure, and it's therefore NOT a form of masochism (and definitely not a form of sadomasochism).
There are a lot of great websites out there on self-injury if you search for something like "self injury" (duh). Maybe it would help if you try to find a couple you think explain it well and suggest your friend read them. And if she doesn't believe the websites, there are plenty of books on it, too. Or if you really want proof, I can try and find you some articles from peer-reviewed scientific journals - doesn't get any more reliable than that (seriously, if you want me to find you some journal articles, feel free to email me).
2006-09-11 11:37:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, a sadomasochist receives pain from another individual with whom they have an attraction to, usually in a S&M arrangement. Some types of foreplay between indivuals can be confused with sadomasochism. Your friend is trying to act like a Dom or a person who has dominence over another, but he may be more of a sadist.
You may have sadomasochist tendencies, but that is something you decide to express. There is nothing wrong with it, provided it is with someone you care for and who cares for you. You do have to make clear all of your choices, so that there are no assumptions. In many ways it is better than what you are doing now, because there is no one else to help modify your behavior and your actions could get quickly get out of hand. Do what the young lady recommends above and seek help.
2006-09-11 11:36:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm by no means an expert in self injury or S&M, but I'd say you're not a sadomasichist. S&M is usually sexual in nature- the "sadist" recieves sexual pleasure from causing pain while the "masochist" enjoys recieving pain. Being into S&M does not mean you have a mental disorder of any type, as long as it's mutual and not permenently distructive. I am more concerned about your self injurous behaviour, I don't know anything about your situation, but you might have some sort of obsessive-compulsive disorder that makes you feel the need hurt yourself. I would talk to either your doctor or a counselor about it, just be safe. Oh, and your friend is an ***. Friends should support each other, you needed someone to talk to and this person reacted by making fun of you. You don't need people like that in your life.
2006-09-11 11:34:13 · answer #3 · answered by CurlyQ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! People do it for a variety of reasons. Some of them are trying to feel physical pain to block out or release the emotional pain or anxiety, punishing themselves, or trying to make themselves actually feel something when they've become so numb emotionally).
That said, you need help. You are never going to be happy until you get help and quit cutting, because you aren't dealing with your problems by doing this. The problems will still be there when you stop bleeding from whatever cut, and you won't really feel any better about life for too long after you cut. Talk to someone who cares about you, like your parents, friends, or a counselor. You at least need a psychologist at this point.
2006-09-11 11:40:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't feel that self-injury has anything to do with sadomasochism --- unless you do feel a thrill from it. Most self-injurers do it to release tension or feelings as they don't know of another way of releasing it (actually talking from experience here and much research).
2006-09-11 11:29:00 · answer #5 · answered by mttabi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes being a cutter is being a sadomasochist. If you are constantly cutting you are one. Sorry
2006-09-11 13:04:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am not sure , but if you want it and like it it is OK. Tatoos are masochism to me but to each there own. As long as you do not hurt anyone else in what you do what problem can there be.
2006-09-11 11:31:34 · answer #7 · answered by Scott B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has nothing to do with it at all.
www.recoveryourlife.com
2006-09-11 11:24:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
do you put burning sticks in your anus ?
2006-09-11 11:25:32 · answer #9 · answered by el.tuco 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋