People need control. They have to be able to control something in their life to help them remain stable. We all need control. When people don't have control or feel like they do, they turn to something that they are able to control.....themselves. When life seems chaotic and nothing is going the way a person wants, they focus their frustration upon themselves and this is where eating disorders and masochism start.
You hear about things like this and wonder what would possess people to hurt themselves in this way, especially when so easily prevented. It's all about how helpless the person feels and how they lack positive support from others. When one has no one to turn to, then they turn on themselves. Cutting, burning, purging, fasting....these and more are carried out upon oneself to gain a sense of power and control. These often occur in private and are denied by the individual.
Sad that these things can be rectified simply by a good friend that's willing to listen and talk...but still these things run rampant. Society, in general, has become callous and uncaring towards anyone that is different or having trouble. The general populous has a mentality of, "It's not my problem, so I don't care." which is the worst thought people can have. As a person, you should want to help others. I find it extremely gratifying and I'm sure many others would also. Being a friend to someone in their time of need is one of the greatest things you can do. If you can help turn one person from the path of self destruction....you have made a difference. What I don't understand is how people look the other way when others are clearly(or not so clearly) suffering. It just reinforces the idea that the majority of people are selfish. Take the advice of someone who has helped people: Lend a hand where you can, because even a few small words of encouragement can save someone....and that's worth more than all the money you could ever make.
~Zoo
