the aftermath..

[treadsoftly]

Hello,

I started self harming when i was 14. I am now 22. I haven't done it for 4 years now. My scars have all healed as much as they are going to and are silvery white. I am currently studying a competitive art university and work in fashion, none of my new friends know about my scars, i pretty much wear long sleeves 24/7, which is unpractical.. I really don't feel like i am in an enviroment were people will be understanding and accepting and over the past few years i have come to realise the real damage is that constantly hiding a part of myself from people has made often appear distant and i don't often get close to people.
At the time I never realised what i was doing to myself would effect my life so much, for such a long time. Over time I just regret more and more and have started to slide back into the depression that i climbed out from.
Is anyone else in a similar position?
V

[-Shae-Lynn*]

Hey,
I do competitive trampoline and so I do know how you feel in a way. When I compete, I have to wear a gym suit which is pretty much a one piece bathing suit. My legs are covered in scars but luckily I was able to get them to face enough that with a boat load of makeup I can compete.
Getting to the point of being able to show your scars is a long hard road.
You need to start small and eventually you'll feel more comfortable.
Pick a story explaining your scars and stick to it. It doesn't have to be the truth, but whatever you decide make sure it's at least plausible.
As I said, start very small. Maybe wear a long sleeve and roll up your sleeves just a bit.
You'll make it:)

[Imperfect.Star]

Hi, Yeah I have issues with scarring because I'm a medical student and there's a policy in hospitals to be 'bare below the elbows' ie no long sleeves. You can imagine how awkward that is. Most people actually don't say much (but I guess being medically trained they have a better understanding than most). I was in Africa last summer and wore short sleeves because it was so hot. Some people were really untactful (or just plain stupid) but honestly it didn't hurt that much.

I don't know where you are but in England the red cross run a skin camouflage service where you can get medical strength concealer to cover up scars. Honestly, I got it but haven't used it because it's a pain to put on and on me isn't that convincing but if you can get something similar it might be worth trying?

[shadow-light]

I use skin camoflague creams a lot of the time. Other than when on placements, as the last poster I am also going into the medical field and for obvious reasons can't really wear camoflage creams there
I was working as an axuilary nurse for a while and had some patients actually refuse to let me een be in the same room as them once they'd noticed the scars

arround friends though, and in lectures I dont bother hiding them anymore. Rarey do ammong frineds either.
One area of my life they have altered though is I used to debate competitively, I was on the university team, and the college team before that... but since I stopped hiding the scars the debater president has delred that I am no longer alowed to go to external competitions as apparently I might "embarass the uni"