Honesty is the best policy?
 

Hi All

I thought I would share a real life situation where I was honest about my self harm and was treated how you would expect to be treated. I have been applying for a drug and addictions volunteer role. I had the interview and was accepted onto the training scheme. I was honest about my drinking and said I was 13 months sober. The only trouble is I never said anything about my self harm which has been a chronic problem in the last few years with very deep and long cuts some needing 40 staples in one arm then I did the same to the other arm three days later. I woke up this morning and thought I am going to have to tell them and the sooner I do it the better. The only trouble was the feeling I had blown it and then came all the negative thinking and soon I was feeling like self harming, with the pressure building as the hours went passed. I finally just got an email saying thank you for your openess and honesty and it will not be a problem. Thank my lucky stars for that one. I am so relieved now and glad I did not harm. This proves in this case that honesty was the best policy! I am not mad! and have not been critically judged. I can work through problems without alcohol, self harm and smoking fags.
I would be interested to hear how other people have reacted to self harm. How do other people see the problem?
Thanks

that's fantastic! it's sort of inspiring to know that at least some people dont have a huge bias or stereotypical view of people who SI and SH. i havent told anybody so i dont have any personal reactions, but one of my greatest fears is my work finding out because they have certainly fired people for less.

That's awesome. I have yet to have the courage to tell someone at a place of work or something like that about my SI. I always seem to chicken out...and now that I am getting farther removed from that part of my life (1 1/2 years SI free) I am finding it less of a necessity.

I did, though, have to explain it to my boyfriend when we started dating and he did look a little hurt and confused but he understood. At that point I didn't know him very well and I didn't want to start something that would be torn apart by that. Other then that I have no really big great stories.

I think that many people think that SH is the illness when infact it is merely the symptom. Ive yet to meet a mad person that SH's. Im sure there are some. I would imagine they are the ones that wear chicken suits and listen to Celine Dion all day. But then im no doctor :P.

I am a firm believer that honesty will always win through no matter what the situation. Im proud of you! Well done!

Matthew

no one but my best friend, who also self harms, ever reacted well to me telling them. they see it as me being stupid, i could have stopped whenever i wanted according to them. except my boyfriend, he understands a bit better, but he always got very upset when i did it

im so glad telling them didnt turn out bad :)

Am proud of you
Glad things worked out
xx

hi there....
im so happy for you!!!!
my only experience with work and SI was bad.
i was fired as they thought i "could be a danger" to my patients.
but that was about 3 years ago....i havent worked since.
im really glad this place is giving you this chance.
much love.
xx