Straight Talk TNT

I face the same issue. I see my scars and think they’re extremely noticeable. Yet some good friends have never noticed them! People with self-injury scars look for the marks on others, while others hardly see them. Yes, a few strangers have glanced at my arms. But it’s my story and I share it with who I want. I have used vitamin E oil and Mederma to fade them. There is also plastic surgery.

A good friend attempted suicide and has scars on her forearm. She got a tattoo of a sparrow over them, more as a symbol to herself than anything. When she told me the reason behind the marks, I found her journey inspiring, as I, too, have suffered depression.

You can’t stop people from passing judgments. That said, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Say you were mauled by a bear and laugh it off. In a way, you were.

I have a friend with more scars than anyone I’ve ever seen. They go way up and down both arms. They’re hard to notice at first, but then they look like sleeve tattoos. I don’t know his story, but he wears them without shame and they don’t seem to get in the way. Scars are personal and most people won’t ask about them. I’ve got a few scars, mostly on my legs, that I try to keep covered. I spent a lot of time with unhealed cuts, so my scars are a nice reminder of pain healed and of being in a different mindset now.

A friend who use to cut just tells people about it. Most people are understanding. Plus, if you’re up front, people won’t wonder if you’re still cutting.

A friend with past self-injury scars wears short sleeves all the time. I myself have eczema scars on my legs and wear shorts. Showing your scars isn’t about others’ opinions; it’s about your mindset. Your scars don’t have to be a source of shame; they could be an inspiration for others.

Honestly, I would first feel alarm and then sympathy. I have no outside scars to show my pain, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any inside.

If you have moved on, that’s what will be noticeable; the scars will be of little concern.