Self-Injury Support Group
Whether you or someone you know or love struggles with self-injury, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, meet others going through the same, and get advice on how to stop. Working together, we can help find alternative coping skills to reduce the urge to self-harm.
I used to be a cutter. I've been clean for 26 months now, and I'm so happy that I made the choice and the effort to stop. When I was cutting, I didn't really keep track of exactly what I was doing, I guess because I was more concerned with getting what I got out of cutting. It resulted in me cutting on my left forearm which has made very nicely for extremely visible scars.
These have been there for a long time now, and I got used to dealing with random comments from people simply because they're there and I can't change that. Sure, I try and hide my arm when possible and I wear a shirt if I'm going somewhere specific but by and large, it's been okay.
I'm going to college this fall, and suddenly the comfort I had with my scars and their visibility has evaporated. I'm reasonably confident that I can deal with adapting to a new environment and everything else that comes with college but having people see my scars and perhaps judge me, even after it's been over for a very long time, is not a fun thought.
I've never been in a situation where my scars could be a deal breaker, especially in a new environment. I don't know how to explain them, I can't really hide them and I'm really worried about them having a negative impact in an otherwise fun experience.
Any advice would be appreciated!
These have been there for a long time now, and I got used to dealing with random comments from people simply because they're there and I can't change that. Sure, I try and hide my arm when possible and I wear a shirt if I'm going somewhere specific but by and large, it's been okay.
I'm going to college this fall, and suddenly the comfort I had with my scars and their visibility has evaporated. I'm reasonably confident that I can deal with adapting to a new environment and everything else that comes with college but having people see my scars and perhaps judge me, even after it's been over for a very long time, is not a fun thought.
I've never been in a situation where my scars could be a deal breaker, especially in a new environment. I don't know how to explain them, I can't really hide them and I'm really worried about them having a negative impact in an otherwise fun experience.
Any advice would be appreciated!
Iny experience college was a lot more relaxed about things and I found peopke actually judged less tbh
I think it's mainly due to be more mature now and understanding better aswell
Jus don't dwell on it too much and try and enjoy the experience as best u can
I'd try to just have your answer ready. When people ask me what happened, my answer is "Oh, that was years ago." If they're at all aware of subtle hints, they'll drop it. If not, well, I think they've earned a polite "I'd rather not talk about that" or "That's not really anyone's business" or eventually maybe even "Shut the F!#$ up!" Your call. :)
Try to be yourself. Remember that your scars are not who you are. The people worth having around are the ones who will see past your scars.