After recovery from self-harm, how can I deal with the scars left on my body?

I took this question to mean something else entirely than the perceptions of the other comments left. When I stopped self-harming and while I was doing it, I had an overwhelming sense of pride in my scars. I would think to myself that I'm worthless and ugly and, therefore, deserve them, which is obviously a terrible way of thinking. I loved seeing them, and I loved being proud of them. Therefore, it instilled in me a greater sense of want to self-harm. So, my number one advice, do not be proud of your scars. It may not seem like a big deal to think of them in a positive light in a sense that you overcame a difficult time; however, I think that is a glamorized ideal that can further perpetuate the desire for destruction. I like to think of my scars as ugly marks left by ugly times. Take pride in the fact that you stopped not in the evidence left on your body. People may adversely disagree with my point of view. But, in the end, I think it is the healthiest way to cope and move on. Now, that may not be at all what you were inquiring about, but I do still think it's important to share, regardless. In terms of medications and remedies, Medurma works excellently.

Good question. There are a lot of remedies to help with self harm scars, bio oil, rescue oil, which can be bought in a numerous of stores. But the main remedy to help with the scars is acceptance. No matter how much you hate you're scars, you have to accept that they ARE there, try looking at them in a different way. They are battle scars, they are proof that anyone going through self harm can recover. They are part of you're body now, and it's you're choice to accept them. Everybody is beautiful, with or without scars. ♥

There are tons of ways to deal with the scars - and YOU are the only one who can decide for YOU what will make you most comfortable. Some people accept their scars; some embrace them as a symbol of things they've overcome; some regret it but just remind themselves it's over. Some people don't bother to cover them in public; some show them at home or among friends; some keep them covered... it's up to you! However you feel about your scars - proud, ashamed, fond, unhappy... it's all valid and ok. You've made it all the way to recovery - you'll figure this out too.

I useally put Make up over my scars until i think that they have faded enough. I have been clean 2 weeks.

Wear your scars with pride their recognition of your victory over self harm crisis many argue with this however with experience I know that this is a very influential and positive way to take away any worry about the subject my ignoring it's there by revealing it.

You can do one of three things: cover them up, try to make them go away, or embrace them. Depending on the part of body you've self harmed, you can cover them up with pretty typical clothing. Mine are on my hips and left arm- just above my elbow- and those are easy to cover up with oversized t-shirts, tucked in. Vitamin E oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, baking soda, and many other natural remedies can work for scars, but not for everybody. That's something you just have to work with and see what you like.

I see my scars as a physical reminder of a battle I have overcome. They remind me that I am strong and I can do this. For the worst ones, I covered with a tattoo. Not just any old thing, but an inspirational quote that reminds me to keep going. A personal meaning.

Try finding some cream from a store. I know one cream. Polysporion. This cream will really help you.

Don't be ashamed of these- you were in a HORRIBLE place and you are alive now! That's amazing, and no matter what- know that.

Well I think that you should never be ashamed of them, they are part of a battle that you had to fight. You should be pretty proud of being able to fight your demons and stop your addiction. To fade them using scar creams and bio oil helps too! If anyone asks just say there scars which mean there in the past now and are a battle you won :) xx stay strong from littlechowey13

There's many scar creams out on the market! Friends of mine say this really works for them! Make sure to let them fully heal first before covering them with anything x

Some people view scars as a strength because they mean you made it through. You can also try scar removal methods (like Mederma). Just try to accept them as part of your past, but know that they don't define you.

Scars are nothing to be ashamed of. I have heard of a medication that helps scars fade and you can also cover them with makeup if they bother you that badly. You should never be ashamed of them though.

I've been clean for a year and 3 months and I honestly still cannot deal with my scars. Some days I love them because they are a reminder of how far I've gotten and I'm still her today and other days I hate them because I feel that people will judge me. I think it's all about confidence. If you feel confident and not really pay it any mind then I think people are not gonna care because if it doesn't bother you, why should it bother them?

They're battle scars - don't be ashamed of them. They tell you what you have been through, it shows you're a survivor.

Take them as experiences in life. Every scar has a story and resembles a mistake made in life. Learn from all the lessons and use what you've experienced to evolve and be a better you.

I use things such as 'Bio Oil' which help in reducing the marks left from scars, but the best thing is to let the scars heal naturally.

Concealer sometimes works. But you should try the concealer people use for tattoos. It's stronger and waterproof. You should also try vitamin E oil.

It is best to embrace those scars. They are a part of you, and although they may have a bad history behind them, they're good - because they're a part of you.

Being that they are scars it is important to know they will be there for a long time. Scars do not disappear, but fade gradually. So we can not ignore them. It is understandable to desire to cover them up, but when we do look back at them they will remind us. They'll hold memories whether we like it or not. To deal with scars is to deal with the emotions they bring to us. It may be a feeling of defeat, despair, embarrassment even. We need to learn to not feel ashamed of these memories and especially of how our scars look. Then you'll begin to deal with the scars left.