I don't think "catharticism" is a real word. I didn't invent it, and I'm certainly not the first person to use this word either. What I know is that the adjective of "catharticism" is catharsis/cathartic, which means purification and purgation of emotions (particularly pity and fear) through hobbies and confessions that results in emotional renewal and restoration. For example, gardening is a catharsis for a tired, busy mother after a long day of work. Or you choosing to confess to a mistake you've done cause you no longer wish to be burden by guilts.
To me, catharsis is therapeutic and personal. I myself have a few catharsis activities that I love doing either alone, or with families and friends. But like many other good things, once it's abused, it will turn into something that is rather unpleasant to everyone.
Catharsis can be abused too, and the abused term for catharsis is "catharticism". Unlike catharsis, "catharticism" is something very narcissist and generally unhealthy. Almost like someone doing something to attract attention on themselves cause it makes them feel good. I'm not referring to those who have written blogs, or making profittable youtube videos about gardening, cooking or any other recreational-hobby activities. I'm referring to people who confess for manipulation, popularity and fun. One of many ways to abuse catharsis is through a false confession. Confessing is a catharsis, and the whole point of a confession is for self redemption (forgiveness, acception, inner peace etc), but if we do it for manipulation and popularity, the purpose of a confession becomes an act of seeking for validation, approval and attention. For example, you confessed to being a gay just because the LGBTQ community has gotten stronger and popular nowadays, when in fact you're not even sure of your sexual orientation just yet.
Here's another example of "catharticism". Someone was caught stealing. What should've been done is the culprit admit to their mistake, ask for forgiveness and return (or pay back) the stolen items. But no, this culprit go way back to their family history and point out the security flaws to justify the stealing, and then play victim by blaming on their family for the bad upbringing, and accuse the justice system as unjust for finding them guilty. Later on they complete the definition of "catharticism" by telling their story to everyone, manipulating them into becoming their follower/supporter. Yes, this action might give them the sense of redemption, but it doesn't change the fact that he/she was wrong especially when there was no remorse coming out of their confession. "I admit to have commited the crime, but I am not guilty!". On more serious perspectives; justifying a murder, or paedophilia. One might come upfront about his/her sexual interest on young children for their own personal redemption, but it doesn't make it a healthy catharsis cause it's in fact dangerous.
Point is, before you decide to come out on something personal, makesure it's not dangerous to anyone and also makesure you're not doing it to manipulate people for validation and popularity. If you think your secret is life threatening to yourself or anyone around you, please seek for professional help cause their services are proven to be a good catharsis too. Just because you let something off your chest, doesn't mean that it's always good, and talking about your problems/mistakes ain't always gonna solve them. Well at least not ASAP cause some problems requires patience and time to solve.
That's it for now. See ya on the next entry. Todaloo, take care, and have a good one!
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