just a few days ago, the crew of rescue (gma's reality-documentary program) interviewed me on depressed people.
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having worked with colleges and universities as a school psychiatrist, much of the clinically depressed kids i encountered came from the "emo" culture. you'll recognize these "emos" unmistakeably. they're depressive and resort to their favorite pastime activities, namely, (1) brooding about the gloomy aspects of their life and then (2) cutting themselves up.
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no, these self-cutters don't necessarily want to die. some of them have become so numb from the pain of their existence that they may not feel anything emotionally or physically. self-cutting is their attempt to feel something... or anything! in fact, they'll tell you that feeling something (even pain) is better than not feeling anything at all.
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authentic "emos" have little to do with the "emo look." in fact, they despise "emo fashionistas" and consider them to be pathetic posers.
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the emo cult is composed of teenagers and young adults with major depression, low-grade depression (aka dysthymia), borderline personality disorder, and depressive personality disorder.
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if you know any "emo" lurking around, encourage them to get the help they need. through counseling and medical treatment for their depression, the promise of a more meaningful and joyful life awaits them.
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That's awfully peachy.
ReplyDeleteI think some facts you've not included are that people with Dysthymia can also have episodes of major depression. Another fact is that for the most part, people with personality disorders (such as myself) tend to feel joyless and meaningless most of their lives (with little stints of happiness throughout), therapy isn't that effective.
Instead of encouraging emos to "get help", I would ask them what they have to say about their life. The best way to help someone is listen, it's hard when you feel alone and isolated.