by 3tails

Why this article? For one, it’s a question that everyone wonders now and again. It’s a healthy thing to wonder about and it doesn’t hurt to take time to look at it from other perspectives. For another, worried non-kin can read this and see that being a ‘kin is no worse than being a devout Christian in most cases and have some fears alleviated. Meanwhile in the Otherkin needing help, I hope this article might shed some light and encourage them to seek treatment.

Now, on with the article!
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It’s only natural to look at the Otherkin thing and go “You’ve got to be kidding” now and again. Nobody blames you for it, after all, the idea of there really being Dragons, Faeries, Vampires, Angels and more is a far-fetched idea when stacked up to science. If the idea of Dragons, Faeries, Vampires, Angels and such is far fetched then the idea of simple humans like us being one of them sounds even crazier. So, does that mean you’re crazy?

Believing in something bizarre and/or impossible with absolute certainty even though there’s proof to the contrary is the definition of “Delusion”. However, many devout Christians would fall under the same category by believing with absolute unswayable certainty that Earth was created by one being within a week, even though Science has proof that Evolution and natural forces such gravity and water are what really shaped life on Earth over billions of years.

As such delusions do not cause the religious people harm nor do they cause the religious people to harm others normally, these delusions are considered harmless. In this light it is arguable that if being an Otherkin is a delusion, it’s a harmless one at that and not a problem in most people. None the less, there are certain warning signs that you should watch out for.

1) Feelings of constant sadness, having nothing be fun anymore while the good things don’t feel as good as they once did.  This sadness keeps coming and going even when you don’t want it to be there.  These are signs of depression and you should see a doctor who can diagnose and treat you. It is not a normal part of being an Otherkin though there are Otherkin who suffer from Depression.

2) Your life revolves around Otherkin, you MUST be an Otherkin and there are no other explanations at all and anyone who doesn’t believe in Otherkin or thinks that you may not be one is dead wrong. You might possibly hate those who say Otherkin don’t exist and stick to being around only Otherkin as much as possible as only they “understand”. These are signs of a disorder that is taking over your life. Seek professional help. Only a professional can correctly diagnose the exact disorder and get you proper treatment.

3) Your life is miserable. Everything was so much better in the past. You wish so badly that you could just die. Perhaps you’ve even thought about going out and doing it or even tried to die. Suicide is not going to make the pain go away. If you’re in the USA, call 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE from any phone to talk to people who understand and can help you. It’s free! If outside the USA, try looking up your country at http://suicidehotlines.com/international.html

If any of the above sounds like you, seek professional help. Call a hotline, talk to a school Guidance Councilor (they won’t tell your parents unless you say they can- it’s the law!), visit a psychiatrist (some are on Sliding scales and other work for free if money is an issue) or otherwise get professional help. People in forums are not doctors nor are they trained to help you and an internet *hug* won’t make things get better. It’s scary admitting that something is wrong, but until you do you can’t get help. Others have been there and made it out OK, and you will, too.

Take care and may you have many happy, healthy, sane years in the Otherkin community to come.

Sites that have more information for the curious:

#1 About Depression
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(clinical)
http://www.depression.com/
http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/major_depression.htm

#2 About Delusional and Schizoaffective disorders
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delusional_disorder
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3351.htm
http://www.psychnet-uk.com/dsm_iv/schizoaffective_disorder.htm

#3 About Suicide
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicidal
http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/