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

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!

Tell them its an old thing that you are over , that should stop them from asking further questions and it will not make them feel uncomfortable either . But if you feel that you are ready to talk about it but maybe not in this certain place and time , tell them you will tell them all about it im another place im private for it would make you feel more comfortable . And if you felt like talking about it immediately just keep the conversation going and tell them the stories behind them and how it all started.

Try to be honest in your own way. Tell them you went through times when you had some problems and your mind was messed up. But they don't have to worry, because you're trying to change things and you've found your way in life, or you're trying to find it, so you shouldn't be ashamed of your scars because they tell their your story and mean you have survived a very tough and hard war. (And those scars mean a lot, they include a pain, hard times but also they will always tell you that no matter through what you are going, there will always be a better time)

It is always up to you to share how much or how little information you want about your battle wounds. To me, it matters more that you are comfortable with what you are sharing, than that is it comfortable for the person who has asked. If you feel comfortable telling the truth, go for it. But you never have to share what you don't want to, especially if the person is asking maliciously. However, do keep in mind, that the person may be asking out of concern for your well-being, especially if they think the scars are from self-harm or suicide attempts.

I have to cover up as a part of religion, but when my sister once saw, she asked if I had been switching again. If you're not ready to explain, you can tell a small white lie. I'm not ready yet so that's what I'm going to do, but if you would like to, explain it casually. Lots of have scars, you say yours are battle scars because they are. I would try not to make it a big deal so they don't feel uncomfortable. It's normal having scars, (a lot of people self harm too). It's ok to feel strange or awkward too. Try to do it in a way you are also comfortable. Don't stress yourself out for other's sake.

It really depends on how much you want to share. It is totally okay to say that you'd rather not talk about it, or you could also answer very briefly and keep it general. "I happened when I wasn't feeling well", "I was going through a hard time", "I used to have a hard time handling my emotions, but I am doing better now" etc. If people are being rude or you just feel more comfortable answering in a humorous way, things like "I got into a fight with a lion", "I learned never to mess with my cat", "I got abducted by aliens" or "I was born with it" should work ;)