Helping You: Alternatives

[Wedge]

This thread relates only to the specific web page in the title above, which is found on the FirstSigns website at:

http://www.firstsigns.org.uk/help/alternatives.html

This thread is for people to discuss this single page. If you have general comments about the FirstSigns website, you can post a new thread in the 'FirstSigns' forum.

[The Mitch]

http://www.firstsigns.org.uk/help/alternatives.html

In the above article you Say

"We're sure you already do this, however, when the Urge is upon you, it's important to monitor what music you listen to. Listen to positive lyrics and up beat melodies. This is not the time to put Maralyn Manson, System of a Down or REM on, as great as they are, they can be melancholic. Right now, you need positivity."

this is a very stereotypical view, because to some people this can be very positive music, take me for example
i started self harming when i was 9 years old due to a drunk and violent step father, i self harmed right up until i was 18, when i finally managed to stop myself, the only thing that could hold of my Self Injury would be Music, especially music from Slipknot, if ever i felt the urge to harm myself i would play slipknot, and even today i use slipknot to vent the stress i may be feeling.

system of a down, marylin manson are also both very good bands, whereas listening to "apparent" "positive music" did nothing for me at all.

perhaps the articles should be more informative and less stereotypical

[Jules]

I think you have a very valid point there, thank you. I love Marilyn Manson and SOAD, but i don't find either of them melancholy. I listen to bands such as My Chemical Romance and Good Charlotte when I want melancholy, but others might disagree with my opinion there. I think those bands mentioned were just used as examples - everyone interprets music differently - so I guess what we really mean is that you need to listen to the kind of music that lifts your spirits, whatever it may be, rather than music that brings you down.

[[Hannah]]

To be fair, "Everybody Hurts" can be a little depressing.

But I do agree. Angry music can actually help me.

[Wedge]

I love SOAD soo much! Getting the anger out is def a good idea, I'm sure this page will evolve, but it's still a good suggestion to avoid melancholic music when the urge is upon us.

[Guest]

i started cutting when i was 13 years old; i found that a fantastic alternative that helped me build myself back up emotionally and gave a physical substitute for injury was the martial arts. physical conditioning and contact became a literal substitute for self injury [the endorphins released when a person is in pain or during physical exercise are the same; and working out makes you feel "good".. you get a better body that'll make you feel better about yourself, and a "runner's high"] and by becoming a positive role model for young childern, my self esteem was picked up. Its been nearly a year since ive cut myself at all, and i've become an instructor at my studio.

im convinced that i would have never been able to stop without focusing most of my time and energy into American Kenpo. i highly suggest this approach to anyone.

[munchbunch]

thats great thanks for sharing

love and hugs
munchiexx