summer :(

[Buffie-92]

everyone will see my scars now and ask questions. every summer I am more and more disgusted with myself. I hate my scars. they are so ugly. I wish I never got into this. I want to cut so much right now it almost physically hurts, but I can't. because it's summer.

and the more I think about my scars, the more I realize I can't have the career I want with them. people would see them and the same things will happen. I don't want people to know I'm a freak who self-injures. I'm so scared because so many people know already (who really shouldn't know because I don't even know them) but everyone can tell because of my SCARS!

but will they ever go away? is there something that would make scars fade? or will they go in time?

[JackOffJill]

there are certain oils i think that can be used to reduce the look of scars. but really overtime they will fade. if you have any new scars--make sure you put on plenty of sun screen over the summer....with new scars, if they get burned- they can become raised and turn a darker color which will only make the scars more noticeable. so my best advice for the summer is sun screen----and lots of it. and then check at any store for bio oil (or something like that)- i didnt notice a huge difference but the scars did get a little less noticeable.

[MadPoet]

Hi Bridget.

A lot of people get concerned with cuts in the summer, so you're definitely not alone. It's not easy to put your scars on display, so I don't blame you for being worried. I thought I'd suggest looking at this article: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f78-s...er-up-tips%5D/ It lists cover up tips as well as mentioning an ointment you can buy to make your scars heal/fade faster.

I also want to ask you, have you ever considered seeking professional help for your problems with self harm? I know this sounds scary, but self harm is never something we can just get over. It's difficult to let go of the urges and the need to harm ourselves, and often times it is easier for us to do this when we have professional help; someone to turn to and to talk things through with, and who can really give us the help we need. It is something to consider, and judging by your current predicament and the problems you are facing right now in life, it sounds like it might really help you.

I'm always here if you need to talk. :] PM me anytime. Hang in there.

[~CourageousSurvivor~]

Hey,

I know what you are going through. I HATE summer because I always feel like a freak. I wear long sleeves all summer long and where I live it gets REALLY hot so people ask questions.

It was worst in the past but now I have found ways to make it look a little better. What I do is I get a black and white long sleeve tissue tee and I wear them. They are long sleeves so I am able to cover my arms up but they are not so thick that I have people asking constant questions about m attire. Maybe you could give that a try?

http://shopzoeonline.com/shop/cart.p...urce=shopstyle

Something like that in black and white and then just wear normal short sleeved shirts underneath. It may not be the best solution but with time ti gets better.

And, I want you to know that these scars do not have to get in the way of any career. I know the feeling but in the end you will be okay and you will be able to do anything you set your mind to. Just try to stay as positive as possible. Ignore all the negative thoughts that come into your mind and push all the positives forward.

Please hang in there and if you need anything please feel free to pm me.

Jenna

[JackOffJill]

yeah i just wanted to add about the career thing-- the scars will not be the reason why you are told that you cannot have a certain career. If you work hard enough on you, and SH is a thing of the past when you are entering the career, if someone asks you about the scars (say during an interview) you can tell them that that is just something in your past but it has helped you to become stronger as a person. As long as you define you, instead of letting your scars define you, you should be fine in any career. After all, more and more jobs are excepting of tattoos, and honestly scars are about as noticeable (or less) than tattoos are. So if jobs are willing to work around tattoos, the same would be done with the scars. Like I said, I wouldnt worry about your scars affecting your career, as long as you have worked on being able to stop SHing.

[Thirteen]

Hey, they won't fade right away, sorry to tell you that.

However, I'll give you some tips on good garments to cover up scars.

• Gypsy Skirts : They're long, but lightweight, comfortable, and can be worn casually, or for fancier occasions.
• Fishnet/Mesh : Long-sleeved, come in various colours, airy enough for summer, yet hide the arms quite well.
• Armwarmers : Though a bit more obvious of an option, they come in different patterns and colours, and make you less prone to mosquito bites.
• Mineral Make-up : Mineral Make-up is GREAT for covering up even rather subtle marks. And it's breathable, so if you sweat, all you have to do is dab a tissue to absorb the sweat, no re-applying needed for long periods of time. Though, make sure theres no Talc in the ingredients.

*Tip, if you choose this route, get a separate small brush to cover up your scars/marks first, then afterwards brush make-up all over skin, in a circular motion, for best results*

I know these solutions aren't perfect, but I hope they help a bit.

[sfox_2007]

This is exactly why I stopped self-harming.
I self-injured myself for about 3 1/2 years, and I started learning more and more that rather than making things better, it just made it worse because when it's warm out and you need to wear long sleeves, you worry about people seeing the scars, or about buying a ton of ointments and bandages to cover the scars and make them disappear.

[Lullaby :)]

I know what you mean =( it was boiling the other day and I was stuck wearing a hoodie.
Sometimes I just think 'right I dont care if they see' at school and i'll just roll up my sleeves, hardly anybody ever says anything so i dont mind much.

I'm not sure about anything that'll reduce them but you could always try concealer occasionally, doesnt work brilliantly but takes the edge of the scars...unless you're going swimming

Bracelets and charity bands are okay as well to use or arm sleeves.

I think that by the time it comes to your career, you may not be quite as bothered about your scars because you need to remember that everybody has a past; some just have it worse than others and do what they can to cope.

And scars do fade in time. Maybe not perfectly but they'll go paler and less noticeable