scars and summer

[mystery]

hi everyone,
umm its winter here in Australia perth but im trying to get myself ready for when its summer..to maybe wear short sleeves for the first time since ive stopped SH ..but i guess im just real self concuis, to me SH was a really private thing u know?..and now like its like everyones will be staring at my scars and i guess im just scared..i think this is a really important step for me to take but i have alot of trouble showing my scars to even my family i dunno what to do:( i know there is lots of stigma to wether or not we should cover up or show our scars but i just want to move forward but its scary:(

[Left.]

*hugs*
thats a really big step forward in even contemplating doing this, so well done!
this is always a tough subject because its really about personal choice - as to whether you feel ready or comfortable to do so - only you can decide.

for me, i hide mines for months even after my family had found out and wasn't until this summer where i decided to gradually ease myself into showing them. Perhaps you could do this? small steps at a time?

i think one of the main worries is that people will ask or be highly judgemental, and the truth is yeah, you probably will come along someone on the way who will ask or may make a nasty comment...but its only in the minority. you may in fact discover that not many people say anything at all (either because they don't notice or don't want to appear to be nosey).

It is a very scary thing to do at first, but if you feel ready to, then go for it! it may be able to help with your confidence too.

good luck x

[loveishere]

Hey, I started wearing clothes that show my scars last summer, it was pretty easy, though cause at the time I was in treatment and everyone was cool with it. It's summer where I am now, and I've continued to show them. It's great that you are considering doing this. Just so you know, some people will stare and ask questions. I've noticed that most people don't, though and if they do, its usually out of genuine curiosity or care. But be prepared.
It really is better than hiding, I feel much more free and honest.

[froot_loop]

Showing my scars was one of the most liberating things I've done for myself. Yes their is a stigma, but there is also an element of personal stigma we attach to it ourselves. SH is usually a very secretive thing, and at least for me, letting other people see my scars forced it to become less of a big deal - other people will make it less of a big deal if you do, so I quickly learned that adopting the attitude that it was only a small part of me helped them view it as that, and I was surprised when after a while I began to genuinely believe it.

Also, about people asking. like loveishere said, many do, most of them out of genuine curiosity. It's ok to answer them honestly or not - I prefer to, but sometimes when I don't feel like it I just say that it's a long story and I change the subject. They usually take the hint. You can explain to people or not, it's really your decision.
Overall though, I really do recommend it. It really does make you feel more free and honest, and quite frankly, it's nice to be able to do normal activities like swimming and sports without worrying about what I'm wearing. Best of luck to you.