What is it like to show your scars in public or around friends and family?

It can be daunting and I suppose it depends on the relationship you have with the people who you're going to show your scars to. In my experience, people tend not to notice if i don't draw attention to it. My family are aware of them but don't ever comment, which makes me feel more at ease and sometimes even forget that they're on show. If you're worried, perhaps try going for walks on your own somewhere private with your scars out to get used to the feeling of not covering them up. this might give you the confidence to show them around your friends or family (the feeling of fresh air on your arms/legs when you haven't had it in years is indescribably wonderful oh my goodness you will be so glad you did it)

Having the freedom to wear short sleeves (or shorts, or whatever else) can make a real difference. It means you're no longer having to hide this part of your life, which is probably an immense relief. Plus, it's more comfortable in warm weather! It can be daunting at first and people's reactions do vary, so it might be more manageable to take it in stages. You could start by showing your scars at home with family and visitors, then move on to public places you're comfortable in, leaving school/work (wherever you're most concerned about being judged) until last. Most people won't comment and over time, you'll probably find it easier to stop worrying about what others think if that's an issue for you. I think the positives outweigh the negatives, so it's worth trying!

It's honestly tough at first, but it's much more open and honest because everything's out for them to see. There's no shame in showing them, scars mean you have found a better way to deal with whatever put them there in the first place.

I think everyone feels differently about their scars and showing them in public, and that is okay. Some people are fine with showing their scars and others are not. For me, it was really hard for the first few years to wear short sleeves because I always saw people looking at my arms or even asking me about it. It's hard when you are trying to move on to be constantly reminded. Eventually, my scars became less visible though they are definitely still obvious, and I tried to stop caring about the looks. I've stopped even thinking about them, which is really freeing. On the occasional instance when someone will bring them up, I honestly just say that was a while ago and I change the subject. Whether you choose to show your scars or not, that is your decision and your decision alone. There is nothing wrong with either choice, it is more a matter of personal preference.

It's scary, but can be very liberating. Showing your scars in public tend to give you mixed responses, some faces are filled with nothing but genuine concern, those are the people who have fought the battles you have, or understand it. Others can be confused, but mostly positive responses. People tend to be kind to those who haven't been so kind to themselves.

Personally, no one ever commented on mine, which have now healed such that they are no longer visible. A good friend of mine who currently self-harms often has her scars and marks publicly visible, and she also tells me no one has ever asked about them, either. She says she doesn't think anyone notices. If they do, they don't care. Neither of us has ever been prompted to explain our habits to anyone — we only talk about self-harm if we choose to bring it up. I know I was paranoid about people seeing my scars for years, and as an adult it was surprising to discover that, no, it was not terrible to have my scars show, and did not impact my life. I still had good friends, a loving boyfriend, and I wasn't any less beautiful.

People will look at them, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing, you know? Showing your scars is very good for yourself, if you do it you'll see that it isn't a weird thing

At first it can be terrifying. They could make fun of you or laugh but if they love you and care for you they will be supportive. Once you have over come the addiction, you can be proud of your scars and not want to hide them. I know personally I'm proud of my scars because I overcame my demons. I showed them who's boss.

It varies. There have been times where I have been caught out by forgetting to pop a long sleeved top in my bag. The last time this happened I felt quite uncomfortable whilst being in public with visible scars. I felt like everyone could seem them. It is most likely that nobody even noticed but I don't like the way it makes me feel. I sometimes feel confident enough to wear short sleeves around close friends but it depends on how self conscious I am feeling that day.

It is hard to show scars. It's like showing vulnerability, and a lot of people don't understand it.