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

I think it's good to let people know the truth because a lot of people don't get it. I used to say they were cat scratches because in my mind, if they couldn't tell they were dumb and didn't deserve to know, or if they could tell I was lying and didn't press further, it must mean they didn't care. Now I know they were really just scared and didn't understand. Nowadays I say I went through a period in which I didn't know how to regulate my emotions. I felt cutting myself would release those emotions. I've since learned that talking through emotions, addressing them head on, is what solves problems, not self harm.

I would say firstly it depends on whether you feel comfortable enough to answer, it can be quite an imposing question to ask, even when the other person didn’t mean for it to be. It sounds like a harsh difference, I know.. but you either tell them the truth or you don’t. If you’re honest, you can’t really control how the other person feels... after all, they asked about your scars, and you answered. You haven’t done anything wrong to make them feel awkward, it can just be an awkward conversation. Some people used to ask about mine, and I’d either shrug it off if it was someone I didn’t really know, or if it was someone I was relatively close with, I would just say something along the lines of, I used to have some unhealthy ways of coping, but that’s in the past.. regardless of whether it actually was in my past or not I would say that to kind of put the conversation or the situation in the past with it, if that makes sense. Try not to feel too awkward about the other person though, it’s not really on you

For me personally, it worked to be honest about it. I never go into much detail and tell them that I used to suffer from mental health issues but am now doing better. That usually puts an end to the conversation, as I experienced most people being very respectful and careful not to overstep my boundaries. If they ask for more information, it’s your decision whether or not you want to tell them more. I try to be mindful of the way the person asks, and if I feel like they are being genuinely interested without being judgemental about it, I sometimes tell them a little bit. In the end, I wouldn’t worry too much about making other people uncomfortable. After all, if they ask you, they have made the decision to bring it up. Some people might feel a little insecure about how handle the situation, but if your answer is calm and simple, it probably won’t make them uncomfortable.

You could try asking them first if they are comfortable about hearing topics like that. I would try telling them that this is what happened to me and its a part of me. I would ask them to not judge you for what you've been through. Start to slowly get into the conversation, but dont come off too strong, thats when it could confuse them or put a lot on them and they wont understand it clearly. Once you tell them about it let them ask questions and if you are uncomfortable tell them. Make sure that they are okay about it.

I think I would just mention that you went through a tough time, and you are proud to say you overcame them. Make sure you state that its a topic you arent ashamed of considering it makes you a warrior that you overcame those feelings and the urges. I would definitely explain your situation and try to describe the severity of the situation, but then also explain how much better you are now. If they apologize, just be like “no dont be sorry! theres no reason to be. im in a better place now and thats what matters” saying “thank you for listening and caring about me” should make them feel less uncomfortable too for sure.

Every scar has a story behind it. I tend to tell people what caused the scar. There is nothing to be shameful of. The thing is many people normally don't ask. Recently I had my flu shot. I told the nurse about my scar on my arm. Smallpox vaccination. It started with a bean size mark. And it got itchy and I scratched it too hard. The nurse said, it is okay and many people had something like that. I replied that I am proud of it because it was shaped like a rose. As a matter of fact, in summer some people asked me whether it was a tattoo rose. I told the story proudly and it sounded like I gave birth to the scar. "Wear it like armor, and it can never be used to hurt you."

Well as someone who has their own I can say it is up to you to decide who you wish to tell about yours, you are not obligated to share things if you don't feel comfortable, if it seems like someone knows exactly what you have been through it is not so, so try to not worry yourself too much with that, if you wish to tell them then best is to tell them the truth, and it is unlikely they will be uncomfortable and you will rather see compassion, you are not alone and there are other people who have gone thru similar things as yourself,

Honestly it depends on you and the person asking. If you are alright with telling them maybe you could just tell them you have had hard times and/ do not want to talk about it. Well, if that is too much: Take it with humor. The good old cat went wild ;) Or anything else to make them laugh. Another option would also be to just shrug your shoulders smiling. :) "I dunno what do think?" Yet it all depends on how you yourself go about those scars and your past with it. Being confident or at least kind of accepting it may actually make it easier to tell others about it. Just like the author M. L. Stedman said: "Scars are just another kind of memory." It is up to you how you deal with it and feel about it. Your attitude and behaviour will actually help in conversations about certain scars. :)

Honey, scars that you have from self harming are nothing to be ashamed about. I hope you grow to accept them as a journey mark , not as a taboo scar. But if you want practical advice on what to do with other people's opinions of them... tell them they're your marks of resilience. That you fought the enemy, and won because you're still breathing. Please do not feel the need to lie about your scars to make others comfortable. That's just caving to the stigma. To me you're a warrior who has a few marks to show for the battle they fought.

I understand that scars first from people. I show my empathy with these scars. I said that everyone feel some scars this same you. How these scars affect her life and from others? Ask for the person clarification about their scars or a better understanding? I show how is important to speak about to not keep nothing inside. How is important to find a person to talk about fro your problemas? I am glad that you here today share this scars and frustration with me. I am her to support you and help me clarify your thoughts and take best decisions in you life and ways to handle with this scars.