I dont want this holding me back and i will not allow it. But i am worried about the reactions of other students on my course and colleagues as well as the other allied health professions i will be working with.
I dont know how to deal with it and i know ill be stuck for words when asked (as well as feeling ashamed)
If anyone has experience on this it would be nice to know how anyone coped and the reactions.
Thank you all
(Im located in the UK)
Answer by trescott3@ymail.com
Your scars show that you've been there and done that. If anything, it makes you more credible to patients and they'll be more apt to relate to you. Use it as an instrument to your success in curing patients in this field.
If you understand the pain, where people are coming from and what it's like -- you're a step closer than a lot of other mental health professionals.
Answer by Shana B
You could wear a thin white long sleeve shirt under your uniform and say that you are always freezing cold.
I think that's probably the best bet.
If you absolutely must wear the short sleeves, when someone mentions it or you see them staring, you could just say "I was such a drama queen when I was a teenager. So glad I'm over that!" That response would work if you want to discourage questions.
Or you could say "I used to self harm but I got help and now I have more appropriate ways of expressing myself."
Personally, I would go with the long sleeves to avoid having to deal with the whole situation!
Answer by Pammie
Honestly I would just make up a story like you were in an accident or something. It is none of their business what you did in the past. You arenow making a future for yourself. Don't let this hold you back from a great career.
Answer by J
I think you should not be ashamed and instead use it as a reason why you will understand many patients you will see. If people ask say it happened when you were younger and you have learned a great deal since then.
Answer by Deber
I have scars like these as well. 55 of them. You need to stand behind your statement of "I will not allow it to hold me back". It was something you did, what you went through. It will make you more understanding in the future if you encounter another cutter. It all depends on how you react to it. If you are embarassed, it will show. If you are going to be confident and have the right attitude, then that seems to be the best solution. Do not feel ashamed. This is part of where you have been. Wear them as a badge of courage and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You cannot allow it to become more than what it is, your past attempt at making yourself feel better.
Orignal From: Im beginning a Mental Health Nursing course and worried about scars left from self harm?
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