What do I say to people that ask about my scars without making them uncomfortable?

you really owe no one an explanation of anything on your body ever. unless you're comfortable sharing. if they're a human being worth knowing your truths, full of empathy, you wouldn't have to worry about them being uncomfortable. sometimes i put my past in simple terms for people with something along the lines of "at one point i struggled very hard with my mental health" etc etc. but understand you never need to tell anyone anything, its been a personal journey only you have experienced yourself in your own skin. forget judgement, everyone has a vice or a poor coping mechanism at some point in time. as long as they remain scars and not open wounds sometimes thats all that matters to me, personally :)

Tell them the truth to why you have those scars, that's what i do and most times, people will support you after they've found out. if you get asked by a little child like i sometimes do just say you hurt yourself in an accident, they won't understand until they grow up so it's best you don't tell children the truth (you shouldn't or they'll probably tell their parents and that would cause a lot of trouble for you if their parents knew you, they wouldn't want their child knowing about self harm at the age of 5 or something) best case scenario: don't say anything, shrug.

Tell them honestly why you don't want it to discuss or share. Think about your good first, it would eventually be good for others as well. Those who care would understand and those who don't, you don't need to worry either. Example, usually its because you are not comfortable to discuss about it so tell them truth that you are not comfortable. Truth is truth even if its bitter. Scratching the scars only wound it more. You don't need to show it to every person. The ones who really care and understand would find it without being told and would try to heal it and not scratch it.

You can tell people, that you have been through some tough times in life and that you have come out stronger on the other side. Some have a tendency to shy away, when it comes to hearing about other people's hardship, but if you make a point out of telling them that you are better and that you are strong, then people will most likely feel more comfortable about it - I'm not sure this is true for everyone of course, but I've seen good responses to this before. I think it does a big difference to make it short and concise, and not oversharing too much.

It really depends on how comfortable you are with the person. I have experience with people asking about self-harm scars. If you feel comfortable, or want to do so, you could tell them the truth. You could also tell them that you "went through a rough time". You are also under NO obligation to answer the person. You don't owe them anything. Scars are none of their business, unless you decide that you want to answer. It can be helpful to think up a few 'excuses' for when strangers or acquaintances ask about scars. This could be saying that your scars are stretch marks, or you have an aggressive pet. You are not obligated to give an excuse. You can stay silent. You can tell the truth every time. If the person asking you is a child, then an excuse may be best, as the truth may scare them, and not answering can just lead them to want an answer more. Whatever you decide, self-harm scars are NEVER something that people should shame you for. Scars show how strong you are, for still being here, and fighting your tough times. If anyone decides to judge you for having self-harm scars, then please don't listen to them. They don't undertstand how beautiful you are, and how courageous you must be for showing your scars, which can be terrifying to do. Stick with people who love you for who you are.

Well, to begin, they wouldn't be asking you about it if they're uncomfortable. If someone asks you about your scars, tell them the story of how you get them, how you survived, and how your scars are proof that you're a strong person. That those scars mark the lessons you've learned throughout your life. Don't be ashamed of those scars. Be proud that you've overcome the darkest hours of your life and that you're healed. By doing that, you would become an inspiration for them. A living monument of how mankind can conquer the hardest challenges that the world can give him.

You don't always have to explain to people, Especially fi you think they won't understand. You can simply reply, "I don't want to talk about it". However, someimes this can make people even more curious. You could say, "I was going through a hard time and this was the way I tried to cope with it. I'm doing better now." Or you could take the humorous approach and say, "I was fighting off dragons!" It might give people a hint that you don't feel comfortable talking about it. If you believe the person may understand, you can explain to them why you harmed yourself.

Tell them that it's okay that they asked, and that you've been through a rough patch before. If you're comfortable enough, briefly let them know why (depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorder) but it's okay if you don't want to share that. It can be uncomfortable to talk about your mental health, and it's just as okay to tell them that it was a long time ago and you don't want to talk about it. If they seem understanding, it can be a good opportunity to ask them if they've ever had mental health issues, and turn it into a discussion rather than a confrontation.

When people point, stare at or ask about your self harm scars it’s incredibly scary and daunting to have to explain where they came from. The best way to respond is to simply say “I was dealing with a lot of things in the past but I am better now”. This way it prevents the person from feeling uncomfortable as they can simply acknowledge that you are okay at this present time, and it prevents you making other excuses which are clearly not the truth. Despite all of this, it is completely up to you to respond to their questions about your scars - it’s your body and it’s more important for YOU to not be made uncomfortable by their stares or questions. Stay safe :)

based on my personal experience I always tell people the truth. I tell them that I have experienced a lot of difficulties in my life and I have found a way to overcome them. I also tell them that I am on the road to self harm recovery and that I am actively seeking better coping strategies to better my life. I tell them that I am not ashamed of my scars or burns. that they are a part of my life journey and prove how strong I am and how much I fight to stay alive. I am a warrior.

First I would like to say that having scars doesn’t make you less or more of a person than someone else. It’s easy to overthink it when it’s likely something you see most days. When someone asks about your scars in a serious manner it’s okay to tell them what your comfortable saying. For instance if it’s a friend that knows some background or would like to, you can say that these are from self harm. I had been/am going through a hard time. If it’s someone who isn’t a friend or someone you really don’t want to talk to about these kinds of things, be polite and tell them that. It’s okay to take a stand on either side of the line!

I have a scar myself, I have had it since I was very young from a surgery that I needed. I was never particularly uncomfortable with it, but sometimes people would stare or talk about it. I found that when I spoke about it and what it came from with them, and they could see that I was not uncomfortable, it made them feel a little more comfortable too. They would ask questions and even share their own scars, some physical, some emotional with me. Sometimes just opening up an honest dialogue can make an uncomfortable situation more comfortable for everyone.

Being asked about scars can be an uncomfortable and, oftentimes inappropriate situation. Sometimes people ask out of natural curiosity, other times it may be loved ones who are concerned and want to make sure you are okay. Those who ask difficult questions, often expect difficult answers. It may be helpful to analyse this and stop to think about why somebody is asking you such a personal question and what their intentions are. It is also important to note that you do not have to share anything you are not comfortable with, and it's okay to say 'Hey, I'm not wanting to talk about that'. Your body is your business. In any case, you are entitled to be as honest and to share as little or as much as you like.

I assume that you talk about scars caused by self-harm. I think you will have to consider who the person is in your life and how much you trust this person based on past experience. You don't have to share the same answer with everyone and you don't have to make yourself vulnerable to everyone. If it's someone you don't know well or don't trust completely you might just say something like "it's something sad that happened to me and I don't like to talk about it". If it's someone you've known longer and trust more I would try something to test the water first. First just give them a little information and see how they react to that. Again, your past experience with them will be a good indicator of what you can share safely. You might start by saying something like "how well do you understand depression/anxiety" or whatever else you are struggling with in addition to your self-harm. If they react well, tell them a little more. If they react badly, just say you don't like to talk about it. You might be surprised to find that some people (even if they are few) will really be understanding and would want to support you. With that again, go slowly and tell only a little at a time. For example, if ever you need to share more graphic details with them, save that for much much later when they've already proven themselves to you. But you don't have to share anything you don't want to. It's up to you. You are in control of what you share.

One of the best things to do would be to tell them the truth. But tell them in a way that you feel is sutible. Something like a simple and basic way without going into too many details unless they ask for more than what you have told them. Make sure they understand what you are saying and answer as many questions about it as you can. If they understand it better, they may feel more comfortable around hearing about them. Especially so when it’s somwthinf they understand because you’ve explained it to them in a way they understood.

It is up to you to decide how much information you want to share with others, especially something as personal as this. You get to decide when to share. Telling the other person you decline to answer the question is also valid and should be respected. You should not feel pressured in any way to provide an answer simply because someone is asking. Your feelings are just as important as the next person's so be sure you are comfortable before worrying about whether they are comfortable with your answer. Does this make sense to you? What are your thoughts?

I choose to tell people that my body is a book. And everything on my body, is a different chapter or story. When it comes to talking directly about self harm scars, I like to explain that they are ones my mental problems can't show on their own. On a side note I changed my self harm habit to tattoos and piercings because I felt they were a more artistic way of being able to express my mental health issues! Unfortunately, not everyone gets it. Despite all the awareness some still believe we should be locked up and rats to be tested on or at least kept away from society. But explain it in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Not everyone else!

I have scars as well and it can be difficult talking about them to people who are unaware or don’t have the same experiences we do. First of all, you should ask yourself, what are you comfortable with sharing? It’s your body and what you choose to share about it is your decision. Personally, sometimes I find the easiest thing to say are the basic facts with few details. For instance, “I was involved in an accident,” or, “I had a procedure done,” are perfectly acceptable answers. You don’t owe anyone your personal details or story. Simply saying that you don’t want to talk about it is perfectly okay, too!

While it's great that you're trying to be mindful of how to respond to them without making them uncomfortable, I don't know that that is necessary. They've taken it upon themselves to ask you a very personal question and as such, they should be ready to hear the answer. If the scars are the result of self-harm or an assault, there's nothing comfortable about either of those topics but it's still okay to have those conversations. However, if you do still want to avoid making people uncomfortable, you could possibly preface your answer with something along the lines of, "The answer is going to be really personal. Are you okay with that?"

Being honest, but gentle, is one way to go! If it makes you uncomfortable, you can generally express how you struggled with unhealthy coping mechanisms in the past, or, if the conversation warrants it, you can also specifically discuss your past with self-harm. You don't have to go into graphic detail, both because it may be uncomfortable or triggering for yourself, or uncomfortable for the other person, but there's nothing wrong with a genuine response. If someone inquired about your scars, it's not wrong to give an honest answer -- scars are nothing to be ashamed of, and are an indication of your strength in overcoming something that you've struggled with in the past.

I think scars are more like stories to anyone who wants to know about them, however, being someone with my own scars, you will meet people who will never understand and you will meet people who will feel sad and not know what to say, however, it may be the way you present it to them. I have lived a good half of my life with scars on my arms and legs and although when I was younger, I tried to cover them up or laugh them off, but growing up I realized those moments did make me who I am today. I still tell people that they are my own life lessons and I'm okay with them now.

You can say that you have been through a lot and that they are reminders of the battles that you won. It was a time of trouble and that they are there for a reason. Or you can say a cat scratched you and lie about the scars because you may be too embarrassed to say the truth. You can also just give them a random answer so they won’t ask anymore questions and they will leave you alone.

With scars on the body it can be very hard to have people see them. If can be hard to explain. A way around this could be saying "I don't feel like talking about it." It gives you less pressure- you don't have to lie and do not have to directly explain to them exactly what the scars are from. Another way could be to say "I was going through a hard time for awhile but I am feeling better now." With this you don't have to directly say what happened and you reassure them a bit which puts them at ease/

First assess the situation. Are you close with this person, have you just met them, is it a family member? I would start by telling someone you are close with about your past. What I say when someone asks me is that is it a heavy topic and I make sure they are ready for it. When it is someone who isn't close with me and they wonder about my scars I will either deflect the question or say I am not comfortable with talking about it. It is not anything personal against them and I am sure they will understand.

That is a really hard question. It really depends on the relationship and age. When a little kid would ask me I would just say I fell and got a bobo. For adults and if they are close to you I would try to explain sometimes when I’m struggling I hurt myself. I know this is hard to understand but I really appreciate you trying to understand and listening to me. You can always try to go to a school consuler or a trusted adult. Or you can always come on here! Your a We always welcome here even if you just want to chat

Your scars have a story. I think you should be telling what it means to you anyways without thinking about how it makes other uncomfortable. After all it's yours and you should not be embarrassed of them and should not be afraid of letting them know. Honestly, people love hearing about stuff like this and anyone rarely gets disgusted (they suck). It's all in our head and we should be proud of these small flaws no matter what. So, tell them what they are, how they are in your life, the hardship you had, the struggle. It is what makes you, you.

Maybe just letting them know that the scars form a part of a personal experience that you have gone through and highlight the struggles you have faced. You don't necessarily need to go into detail about what those personal experiences and highlights look like for you, but if you feel comfortable explaining your scars in a way that works for you and in a way that makes you comfortable is the most important. Here is a link which I find are super helpful when other people notice and ask about self-harm scars: The Mighty: https://themighty.com/2017/11/when-people-ask-about-self-harm-scars/ It can be a really challenging conversation to have and just know that you don't have to tell anyone anything if you don't feel comfortable.

I think it depends on how you feel and your comfort levels around them. Some things to help you judge what to say are: their age and your relationship with them what you think is best to say, you can tell them exactly what they are, you could just say you were ill or you could make up a stupid story if they're being rude and judgemental about it. In the end it is your body and your story say what you feel comfortable saying. If you tell them and they're uncomfortable initially you might find they soon become more comfortable and will support you.

Talking about scars can be difficult, but they are normal and beautiful. If they ask about your scars then they are eager to know, talk like you would normally would. Tell them about what happened with a clear and confident voice, and if it's something a bit too personal, then simply state that you'd rather not talk about it or go into it. That's a personal boundary people should respect and you should not feel bad for. If you would like to elaborate though, try to explain to them what happened in a clear and confident manner. Scars make you unique and remind you of everything you have survived.

It can be difficult to be confronted about scars and to know how to handle that, especially when you are also concerned about the effect your response may have on another person. You do not have to feel obligated to address the topic of your scars if it is not brought up, but if another person brings the topic up, you might handle it in a few different ways. If the person has a close and trust worthy relationship with you, you might consider being honest about a little of your history, however, it is also completely okay to not do that if you do not feel ready for that or feel they might not be receptive to it. You can even ask them why they're asking or if they really want to know to assess their feelings on it. If you don't want to discuss it or feel they wouldn't be open to it you can simply respond by saying something akin to, "It was a while ago, we don't have to talk about it". If you do want to discuss it but are worried about their reaction or making them uncomfortable, you might preface it by stating the circumstances of the injury and how circumstances have changed or why the scars or circumstances are healed or better now. If it is a professional relationship, and you do not feel it is appropriate to discuss the topic or you don't feel comfortable discussing the topic, you can just say something polite but which also recognizes the personal nature of the topic, like "If it's okay, I'd rather not discuss it" or "Sorry, but that's personal and I'd rather not discuss it" and if they press the topic, you can always say something like, "This is a personal question that I don't feel comfortable answering". If it's someone (outside of a medical setting) who is a stranger, or someone you don't have a relationship to, you are not under any obligation to address the topic with them, especially because our bodies (and the marks on them) are so personal. However, if you feel it is safe to address it and you do want to address it, it is best to do it with consideration and kindness for yourself first, and then the other person.