Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

47,612Members
1,358,869Posts
1,400,000Visitors

New member here

blue229Casual Contributor12 July 2016, 6:24 pm AEST

New member here

Hi all,

I am new to this forum, I just heard about it this morning on the radio. A little about me: I'm mid 30s, work part time (well it's actually almost full time), married to a loving wife and I'm from NSW. I have suffered from MH issues since my late teens and was diagnosed Bipolar 2 about 10 years ago. I have struggled with SH over the years but am getting better at keeping that under control, although I do have a lot of shame over the scars it has left me with. I was just hoping to talk to people who have been through similar things without the fear of judgement.

Thanks

6 replies

1 - 6 of 6

In response to: New member here

-karma-Senior Contributor12 July 2016, 9:23 pm AEST

Re: New member here

Welcome @blue229

so glad you've joined us

It's a good question, how do you manage the stigma you feel? Are you covering your body so they are not seen, or do you have a one liner to address the looks?

I have heard of some scars being covered (readdressed) with tattoo's, and made into a thing of beauty.

In response to: New member here

mrkotterSenior Contributor12 July 2016, 9:52 pm AEST

Re: New member here

Welcome BP type 1 here so know how you feel. I was diagnosed 5 years ago now (wow!) and am really just beginning to get to grips with it all.

I work full time in a job that I love - it's challenging and I'm around people a lot but I still get to write. Best of both worlds.

I hope things are going well for you and that you are stable.

The stigma thing is really tough - I still struggle with self worth.

In response to: New member here

blue229Casual Contributor13 July 2016, 10:17 am AEST

Re: New member here

Thank you so much for the replies. To answer your question Karma, I do cover them up as best as possible. Most are on my upper arms and can't be seen, even under a loose fitting t shirt or short sleeve shirt. The others are barely visible and nobody has they commented on them. I also live in a cooler climate (today's maximum is just 3 degrees)

In response to: New member here

blue229Casual Contributor13 July 2016, 10:18 am AEST

Re: New member here

So with the colder climate, long sleeves don't look too out of place.

In response to: Re: New member here

NikNikSenior Contributor14 July 2016, 9:50 pm AEST

Re: New member here

Hi @blue229

It's great to 'meet' you 🙂

It's sounds like you have come along way! How do you fight your SH urges, if you don't mind me asking...

Welcome again,

Nik

In response to: New member here

blue229Casual Contributor15 July 2016, 9:42 pm AEST

Re: New member here

Hi NikNik,

The urges don't seem to go away even after all these years so I have found that distraction is the best way for me to keep myself from SH'ing. I have found that listening to music or exercising helps. 😃

1 - 6 of 6