I kept my scars a secret for years, never wearing shorts or swimsuits. I dreaded people seeing them, it used to get me so anxious. I got more comfortable with them over time. They show where I’ve been and who I am as a person, and right now all I can do is be myself. My scars empower me to stop. They show me that yeah I’ve been down but I’m picking myself up slowly.

The responses I have gotten aren’t all good, I’ll tell you that, but I have good friends who have my back, that know my story. They are the ones that are true. I use my story to empower, and to show people that it’s okay to feel, it’s okay to hurt, but SI isn’t a good way to cope. Yeah I SI still, but I am working toward a better day, and a better life. That’s all we can do right?

My best advice is to admit it as you are comfortable. If you aren’t okay with sharing a story with a friend or someone, don’t. You can opt out of it, it’s all about if you are willing to admit that you did SI at some point in your life. If you feel that you are ready go for it.