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Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Feeling depressed or anxious can be so overwhelming. I want to help you feel better and be able to enjoy life. You are not alone and you deserve emotional support.
Top Rated Answers
It's not uncommon to like your scars. Some people see them as a sign of strength if they have recovered - they see their scars as a remnant of a difficult time they got through. Some people like them because they represent the pain they are in and are a visual representation of how they feel. Some like them in an aesthetic manner, possibly because they have 'taken control' of their body or because it sets them apart. There are many ways to view your scars, and while many people feel ashamed, others may like their scars - AND it's possible (and perhaps common) to both like and dislike your scars at the same time for different reasons. However you feel about your scars, it's ok. I just hope eventually you can start to heal from whatever it is you are struggling with right now.
Anonymous
January 20th, 2019 1:46am
Honestly I think that it’s not that weird that you like your scars. I personally love my scars. I started self harming without a good reason just to see how it is and quickly became hooked on the feeling. This weird kind of excitement I feel while looking at my scars is a great feeling. I enjoy just looking at them not really thinking about anything just seeing how many there are. It’s not really that I remember all of the things I cut myself because of it’s just that the cuts are there whenever I need them. It’s like some kind of medal that shows someone how bad it is even though at the first second of someone even suspecting something I get nervous I really want everyone to just know the scars also have some kind of feeling of control like I can just show them whenever I feel like I’m ready and be able to stop lying
Anonymous
February 1st, 2015 1:35pm
Yes! Your scars are a sign of the battle you have fought, and though some are ashamed, it's okay to like them. But making new scars for the sake of this is not something you should do.
Honestly I think it's normal. Sometimes you hate them like hell. You regret doing it and you're ashamed of them. But sometimes you like them. They're a part of you now. Every scar tells a story. Your story. And then it hurts if they're fading.
It depends I guess on why you like them? (: I have a love/hate relationship with my scars. I love them because they remind me of what I've been through and the fact that I made it and I've been a year a 3 months clean. On the other hand, I hate them because I feel insecure that people will judge me. So I guess it's normal to like your scars depending on the reason? C: (not an expert)
Completely normal, What you need to remember is just because someone might not like their scars, doesn't mean you shouldn't like yours, Everyone gets scars through different ways and some people even call them their battle wounds. If you like yours its completely normal and completely okay.
Anonymous
September 18th, 2015 4:16pm
When you look at your scars, they are like little mini screens. And in them you see and feel just what you've been through. But different people approach them differently. Scars can be embarrassing. They can be strengthening. Embarrassing, for the fact that they can be judged and frowned upon by others. Strengthening, because you know how you felt that exact same moment..and having dealt with it; holding this as reason to harm yourself again is not encouraged though. So yes, it is normal to like your scars.
yes it is normal my dear, your scars are there to represent everything you have gone through. And by having scars, it reminds you of how strong and brave you were, it also reminds you of how successful you were at jumping over the obstacles you faced
It can be - it can be symbolized as a reminder that you got through something yourself, you are brave and you are strong. I like my scars, as even though it reminds me of my past which isn't so great, it also reminds me that I got through it and I am stronger than I originally thought I was.
Anonymous
September 21st, 2015 4:10am
I look at mine when alone and think about the journey I've done and so far survived (don't know how at times). But I hate others seeing them so I always cover them up as I hate people seeing them and then judging me before they even say "hi"
It is pretty normal for people who self harm to get attached to their scars. But that doesn't mean that they are a good thing
Anonymous
June 15th, 2020 8:19pm
Of course it is!! We should learn to embrace them, it shows an experience of when you fought through something, whatever it may be. It shows that you are a survivor and because of that you have become a better person. You can also use them to help others, it may make people with scars feel more comfortable with them, and learn to embrace them themselves. We should love them! They tell an amazing story that is worth reading. They are all also unique, everybody's looks different and that is something to be proud of, it's amazing that you love them!! You are an amazing role-model.
Of course. It's your body and you should love it! Embrace your scars, embrace your past, and keep moving forward.
Yes, but no. Yes, because Scars are the proof of what we've been thought and that we ARE strong. And No, because they shouldn't be there, but as long as you don't keep making them you must learn to love them and keep them as a reminder of what you have (I hope) left behind
I like my scars because they remind me of what I have overcome! Its not easy to defeat depression and the fact that I only have scars and not fresh wounds give me pride.
Anonymous
November 23rd, 2015 2:39pm
They're a part of you, they show you where you've been and what you've overcome. What would be different if you didn't like them?
Yes, I believe it is. Because they are a part of you and they tell your own story. They are unique. So I think it's completely normal to like your own scars. #staystrong♡
Oh my gosh I am so proud of you! It is important to love you for who you are and your scars are part of what makes you who you are. They tell a story and are quick reminder that you overcame whatever caused them! It makes me really happy that you like them (and learned to accept them if this applies) because for some, that it is a very hard process. There is a lot of stigma these days about scars and how "ugly" they are but don't listen to them and keep doing you! And technically, no because scars are "ugly" and society doesn't like "ugly" things BUT it should be more normalized for sure.
Normal? I think it is amazing for you to like your scars. Accepting them as part of who you are, scars represent your experiences and never have to be ugly or shameful. They, as you wonderfully believe, can be absolutely beautiful and be signs of your bravery, for whatever the event that gave you the scars may be, it remains a sign of your courage, because that courage is needed to brave through such events, a true warrior.
P.S I probably sound like some sort of melodramatic warrior of a fantasy novel, but I belive every single word that I have typed here, and wish everyone to believe my words too.
Anonymous
May 29th, 2018 11:53am
I used to like my scars but only to remake them. I went through a stage of hating the thought and look of them but have recently turned to liking them and thinking of them as battle scars. I faught my battle and am still here today to continue fighting.
I wouldn't say it is normal for you to like your scars. You may be addicted to sel harm but most people don't like experiencing pain. But there are alwys some how you like experiencing pain and hurt to the others which isn't right. Your scars can show you things about you and what struggles you went through ad how you overcame them. But if you think something else is wrong you should definetely get a consulation and go and see a professional. They can be the only ones that can truly diagnose you and help you with your struggles.
Anonymous
February 14th, 2015 8:19am
Yes it is. They remind you of the journey you've taken. How you've grown and how you've moved forward. They should be reminder of all that you left behind and how you won't fall again.
In my opinion no why should it not be normal. Everyone looks at there body in different ways and in my opinion if there’s something in your body that you like then that’s fine. The way I can see it what’s the difference between someone getting a tattoo and liking what’s on there body. You like what’s on your body then you should not feel judged or looked at any differently. For me personally I have a scar from
A surgery it’s not that I like it but I
Don’t hate it either it’s just there for me and don’t bother me. :)
Hops this helped. Much love Peter
Anonymous
May 22nd, 2018 5:16pm
It can just mean you are proud to show them. You may be proud because it’s a battle you have won.
I think it's normal. Sometimes people look at their scars and it reminds them what they went through, how hard things were at some point. By seeing the scars some people think "wow, I am so much stronger and I have grown so much." It can be a reminder to yourself to never go back to that place, because you know you can make it through.
It is normal. You may feel like your scars are a security blanket or show you how far you have come.
Anonymous
August 2nd, 2016 9:54am
If you like your scars that's fine, if you hate your scars that's fine too. I just don't like to think about people giving themselves scars
Yes it's very normal. As long as you don't want to create any more. It's good that you accept yourself.
Yes! Some people do like their scars, like it reminds them that they're strong, that they made it through the tough time they were in.
yes, it's normal. I have felt like this don't worry :) But remember your scars don't define you, you don't need to hurt yourself to feel something, just try to think of the beautiful things in life :), it'll get better
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