Scarring on my upper arm

[DepressionsAHo]

Hi guys. So I'm going to travel in about 2 days. A place with lots of beaches, sand open water etc. Problem is, I've got heavy and very noticeable scarring on my upper arm and I'm utterly terrified of what people may think. I've got tattoos covering the rest of my scars but these while not brand new are still noticeable. (Dm me if you'd like to see them for reference)
For those that have scars like me, do you have any tips for finding confidence to wear them where people can see. Nobody except you and my tattoo artist knows about them and it scares me to think about the reactions I'll get.

 

[Halo13]

Upper arm scarring isn't what the general public thinks of as self harm. I also have tattoos over my wrist scars though several others are quite visible. I don't really care what people think. And over the years with a few exceptions, people have stared but don't ask because they figure it is rude. I totally get your anxiety about it but what we think is a big deal isn't always the same for others. You could make up an awesome story about an accident white water rafting or something, lol. If you get to the beach and feel super self conscious, could just wear a thin shirt and say your skin burns really easily, too.

 

[JJ-NOHOPE]

I have very bad deep self harm scars on my left lower arm. I don't try to hide them, and quite frankly, no one seems to give a shit.

 

[DepressionsAHo]

I have very bad deep self harm scars on my left lower arm. I don't try to hide them, and quite frankly, no one seems to give a shit.

No extra looks no questions?
Sorry btw, I fell asleep almost immediately after I posted this

 

[LastFlowers]

Hi guys. So I'm going to travel in about 2 days. A place with lots of beaches, sand open water etc. Problem is, I've got heavy and very noticeable scarring on my upper arm and I'm utterly terrified of what people may think. I've got tattoos covering the rest of my scars but these while not brand new are still noticeable. (Dm me if you'd like to see them for reference)
For those that have scars like me, do you have any tips for finding confidence to wear them where people can see. Nobody except you and my tattoo artist knows about them and it scares me to think about the reactions I'll get.

I have some deep scars on my forearms, there's not a lot because it was only one incident with glass. But I've had to get my blood drawn a lot and always try to contort my arm while they take it. I'm sure it doesn't go unnoticed. Especially the deeper vertical one that looks like a centipede because of the stitch scars.
I've never been worried about what other people think per say, only that the implication would be proof for someone to use against me if they wanted to put me away or stop me from fixing my face. Its not embarrassment that gets me, it's straight fear.

I don't know how noticeable yours are in person but I usually can't see people's self-harm scars unless I'm pretty close to them. Some people might think things silently to themselves but unless it's very crowded I don't think you'll get commentary.
To me they are wounds and scars of suffering and how one has experienced things most people haven't. In that way, it's no different or less cool than having some badass cover story about them. Your eyes are more open than anyone who will comment negatively on your scars.

 

[JJ-NOHOPE]

No extra looks no questions?
Sorry btw, I fell asleep almost immediately after I posted this

I never even noticed anyone looking at them.

I've been to Disney world and the beach with them recently and no response.
People don't really care, or pay any attention to other people.

Not that it would bother me. I don't care what other people think of me. They have no concept of the hell I'm in, which caused the scars in the first place.

 

[DepressionsAHo]

I have some deep scars on my forearms, there's not a lot because it was only one incident with glass. But I've had to get my blood drawn a lot and always try to contort my arm while they take it. I'm sure it doesn't go unnoticed. Especially the deeper vertical one that looks like a centipede because of the stitch scars.
I've never been worried about what other people think per say, only that the implication would be proof for someone to use against me if they wanted to put me away or stop me from fixing my face. Its not embarrassment that gets me, it's straight fear.

I don't know how noticeable yours are in person but I usually can't see people's self-harm scars unless I'm pretty close to them. Some people might think things silently to themselves but unless it's very crowded I don't think you'll get commentary.
To me they are wounds and scars of suffering and how one has experienced things most people haven't. In that way, it's no different or less cool than having some badass cover story about them. Your eyes are more open than anyone who will comment negatively on your scars.

Thank you so much man. I'll try to keep my fear down a bit. Some of them are red and have keloided. I also have a stiches scar as well lol. That's not purposeful though. Total accident. I essentially made myself a human fillet