I have noticed a general tendency in certain people to consume substances (not necessarily drugs) and engage in activities that are harming them. And yet, for some reason they can't stop doing it. It's like they have to constantly push the limits in order to prove something to themselves or to others. Why is that? Why would you deliberately risk your health and life? One of those people is a friend of mine who happens to be a dedicated skater. A few years ago he was diagnosed with advanced scoliosis and advised to stop skating, as getting knocked around on cement wasn't exactly improving his condition. He never stopped riding his board... These days he is in a lot of pain due to compounded injuries from all his skating accidents, but he still won't give up on skating. He is 34 now and heading for a life time of pain. Well, he has already "arrived" in that life. The next thing might be surgery... a wheel chair, who knows. It's beyond me how a "passion" can be so strong that you rather sacrifice your health and well-being instead of finding, or developing, a new passion.
I think these people are just too into their craft that they tend to forget about themselves. I have a friend who has had multiple injuries because of playing basketball. Still, he never stopped playing even though he feels pain in his feet and legs everytime he plays. Which is really frightening as playing basketball is only his hobby. His whole life will be affected if he continues playing and obtains another injury.
There are persons who will sacrifice themselves and everything no matter what just to find pleasure for their favorite things to do or what we called their passion in life. But sometimes they are not aware that their behavior or what they are doing is already out of control and that they are putting their life to risk or any danger and that they are already a slave of their own actions.
There are really some who does not mind their own safety and health just to get their goals or do what they want. Just like those who are extreme sports athletes/players or those who are called thrill seekers. There are times that accidents cannot be avoided, they will need to be prepared and use safety precautions to avoid the worst.
Hmmm yeah self destructive. Some people do that. There are deep psychological reasons for that. Something in their mind tells them to keep going even though they are hurting themselves. Many people have this problem. Reactive mind tells and commands the rest of the body to continue. They are under like an automatic trance command. It is pretty interesting this kind of behavior. It can be cleared.
It seems like your friend has a adrenaline addiction. There's a lot of people who have had this in the past. Steve Irwin was a great example of an adrenaline junkie this eventually lead to his death from a sting ray. There could be healthier ways to deal with this need to challenge yourself, Like being involved in organized events with safety policies. Doing dangerous stunts or things like this without proper supervision can be life threatening. I suggest your friend gives that skate boarding a rest tho.
I think that such people live for the thrill and danger of such sports, so they still continue to do it even if they know that it's hazardous to their health. It's like their passion is so strong that not even the danger of losing their life can deter them from engaging in such activities.
I agree this is similar to bull fighting. There are people who take jobs as bull fighters or rodeo clowns and make a living. This makes me wonder what in there mind makes them love the danger. These type people should join the military they would be very useful and purple heart material. I see that in Spain the running of the bulls is there culture, sadly since the invention of the smart phone more people have died because of taking photos instead of running.
Don't forget race care drivers and wrestlers. I have always wondered why these wrestlers prefer to be beaten as their occupation. I think wrestling is even worse then boxing because your body gets slammed and thrown over and there are only a few restrictions when you are already inside that ring. I guess they are meant to entertain us? Lol. Without such people, we are stuck watching those boring sports.
I reckon that sometimes people just want to do something and at times it may be just to try it out and also don't think about the problems, which can be caused from doing these harmful things which are not good for the health. I think that it is going to take time to see people change their ways and also it is surprising to see them spend money, and use their time in these things which can waste their time and cause more stress in the long run. It can be shocking at times as people can cause problems for the family, and the ones around them, which can lead to problems in the home which is not good.
There are people out there that will push themselves beyond their limits. They don't consider the harm they are doing to themselves, eventually they pay the price. Everything in life should be done in moderation. Sometimes it's best not to rush or overdo things, one will still reach their goals eventually. Unfortunately, the mass media and society promote the idea of becoming successful at all costs which nature and the laws of the universe don't agree with.
Wow, 34 years old and still skating, even with health issues. Now that's what I call dedication, and, to be honest, it's pretty impressive. Regarding doing things that harm yourself, I was diagnosed with some back problems a couple of years ago, yet I didn't stop playing guitar (and bass as well), because I loved doing it so much. While I was sitting down there was no problem, but when having to play while standing, I had to hold ~10 kilos on my back and it's pretty risky. I don't feel any pain, but that doesn't make it less dangerous. I'm glad I stopped playing with my band, I feel safer now.
I am definitely addicted to sugar, I know it's very bad for me, but this is how it is with addictions and binge eating. Some think food addiction is not as dangerous as others, but I am sure that binge eating comes with their own risks in the long run.