Self-harm among teenagers is pretty close to an epidemic in the UK. Evidence about the exact number of self-harm cases is scattered, but almost every report published in recent years has shown that it's on the rise. In 2014, figures were published showing a 70% increase in 10-14-year-olds attending A&E for self-harm-related reasons over the preceding two years. Last year, a wide-reaching survey conducted by leading civil servants found that a third of 15-year-old girls had reported harming themselves on purpose.
But what happens once you've recovered? Once you've stopped cutting and the scars are only a reminder of the emotional pain? You have to deal with the judgement from complete strangers. There are many ways that people try to cover their scars - with oils, creams, makeup or even surgeries.
If you browse through the Reddit forum for self-harm, the issue of scars comes up again and again: Are bracelets the best way to cover up? Does scar makeup work? On RealSelf.com a mash of Yelp and Facebook for plastic surgery procedures, more than 2,500 conversations discuss self-harm scars.
But instead of hiding under layers of clothes more people have found a solution in tattoos. More decide to turn something they are usually ashamed of into something they want to show to the world. Covering self-harm scars with tattoos becomes more and more popular and helps people embrace what used to make them feel self-conscious and embarrassed. Often tattoos offer a way to salvage self-harm scars although, the decision on what to do with self-harm scars can be complicated by a love hate relationship and scars can become markers cataloging where you've been.
For advice on how to stop self-harming, visit this website or reach out to Self Injury Support. You can also call 116 123, available 24 hours a day, providing for emotional support, if you are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.
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