I can't believe I am doing this..but this has been bothering me for some time now..and well, as you all know self injury is just not a topic that most can talk about in the every day norm. So, I am a recovering cutter/burner. I say recovering because I have not cut or burn in years. I have flashbacks even nightmares about it doing it though. That I have not told anyone and I do struggle with thinking about it from time to time, but I don't have the urges that are so strong that it wills me to bring a knife or a cigarette to my skin, at least I won't allow them anymore. What I struggle with EVERY DAY is the scars. I, unfortunately, when I did cut and burn, did it in areas that are seen to every one. On my left wrist you can see hundreds of scars from cuts and burns..on my left ankle and left hip. My wrist is visible to the general public and I am constantly being asked what they are from..normally I can shrug people off or change the subject or tell them it is none of thier business. The other day..my 13 year old step daughter, whose not much younger than me, saw them and assumed that I had tried to kill myself..she could not understand the concept..I couldn't explain differently to her either..when the subject approaches I fall silent..when a stranger asks..I run..when a friend asks..I change the subject..I can't afford plastic surgery....I guess I am just wondering if anyone else struggles with the repercussions of this behavior and what do you tell people when they ask??! What do you tell your children when they ask? What do you tell your boss when they ask? I work for a Law firm..Im about to become their Paralegal..I don't want to be haunted by my past forever..Im haunted enough just looking at my arm...I understand what the life is like to be a self injurer..I understand that it is a lonely sad shithole!! I am glad that I survived it and I wish the same for all of you.