Does having scars on show make it uncomfortable for people who do not self harm?
Erynn
on
Oct 4, 2015
Self-Harm Expert
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It varies. A lot of people do double-takes, some stare a lot, and some people ask because they can't really wrap their mind around it or don't know what to think or are trying to bring the topic up and are unsure how. I am tend to feel most concerned about how parents feel when children are near, but I feel that they will explain it however they feel most proper for their family, I also worry at times about how loved ones feel, but they have expressed that being able to see my scars and know that they are healed is more comforting than the sadness they feel sometimes about me having hurt myself in the first place. My ability to be open and honest with them now makes them very happy and reassured. So, it varies a lot, but I think your own comfort and the comfort of your loved ones is more important than the feelings of strangers or mere acquaintances (unless your employment depends on that, which might change things up).
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WhatTheCupcake2
on
Nov 30, 2015
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Sadly for some people yes, but they are either ignorant or not very well informed on the subject. People who are worth caring about don't usually mind.
ItIsANewDay
on
Jul 14, 2015
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Well sometimes. Me personally, I don't mind it. But I guess it can get a little uncomfortable for someone. It really depends on how you stand about self harming and did you have any experience before with it.
Anonymous
on
Jul 16, 2018
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It might if they are cruel and evil humans. Flaunt your scars. Be proud. They show that you've been through so much and still came out on top. I'm proud of you.
Anonymous
on
Sep 28, 2015
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Truthfully, I think that people who have a problem with that need to grow up and realize that the world does not revolve around them. There are certain places where it's not okay to show self harm scars--at a job, for example, it's usually not okay. I follow the tattoo rule. If it's socially acceptable for your tattoo to be seen in a place, you also have the right to show your self harm scars.
Kalulu
on
Dec 14, 2015
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It's a large possibility because no one likes to see others in pain. Also they may the presence of your scars may be triggering to some people.
JoyfulForestRain
on
Mar 25, 2016
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It depends on the person. Some people don't mind it since they know the struggles of people and their feelings so they understand it. However, for some people seeing scars on somebody is the first real exposure to that kind of stuff so it's kind of normal for them to be nervous or uncomfortable. Just embrace how far you have come and be confident with who you are :D
KyKyleee
on
Jan 12, 2015
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Yes and No. Some people may find it uncomfortable just because he/she/they know how they got there. And sometimes people feel really bad and they're not sure what to say/do. Sometimes people don't mind. It really depends.
Anonymous
on
Apr 8, 2015
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It shouldn't make it uncomfortable for people who do not self harm as they need to understand the situation and be sympathetic about their situation.
FrenchPaule
on
May 28, 2015
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Sometimes it does, but sometimes people know they can react because they already know some "self-harmer" and they are used to it. But for the people who are uncomfortable, sometimes they act like they don't see the scars, and it could be a way to protect themselves.
QuietListener
on
Jun 3, 2015
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Self-harm has been a struggle through my life since I was younger, but it has gotten much, much better with the help and support of my friends. Self-harm scars do make people you are not close to uncomfortable at times because often times those people don't understand what one who does self-harm is going through.
iamsodone
on
Jun 17, 2015
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It appears to be. But most of the time, people honestly just don't care as they're not compassionate.
Anonymous
on
Aug 31, 2015
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Not exactly uncomfortable - people just feel concerned. I remember feeling a pang of sadness and feeling upset for the person.
Anonymous
on
Sep 7, 2015
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It, depends. Everyone is different and may act in there own ways. I'm not sure that people would really mind but you may get a few looks from people.
Anonymous
on
Sep 21, 2015
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Sometimes, but it seems to mostly concern them about your well-being, not make them judgemental or scared. If it does make them critical, then it's their problem and not yours.
jackie1855
on
May 30, 2016
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No I do not think so for most people. They might feel sympathy but not uncomfortable. Having scars is not a bad thing and you should be able to not have to hide them.
freshLove97
on
Jun 13, 2016
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It's more of an understanding thing. Humans have natural instincts to protect ourselves, so self-harm is difficult to understand for healthy people. It may be uncomfortable for some, cause it's kind of like they just learned something "odd" about you.
ZoeLotus
on
Jun 21, 2016
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Depending on how much is visible, it is similarly uncomfortable for people who do not self harm as when they see a disabled or autistic person at the grocery. At first, it's unfamiliar and for a child, possibly scary but immediately it goes unnoticed and they move on with their day.
littlemisscurious
on
Jun 22, 2016
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Just one aspect I wanna add: in my experience, most people don't even notice (given that your scars are not very, very remarkable). Surely you are aware of your scars, anxious about what people might think or if they will confront you... it's absolutely normal, I think every self-harmer knows these thoughts. Besides, when you self-harm, other people's scars are much more likely to occur to you. 'Normal' people who don't pay special attention to it might not even become aware.
Nonetheless, I think it's a good idea to work out what you're gonna answer in case someone asks about your scars - made me feel much more secure.
Kayleighrose
on
Jul 18, 2016
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It could. But everybody is different. I've had people stare and not know how to react when they clearly know what it is. A therapist of mine told me when I was younger that I need to learn to just own it. And that has alway stuck with me.