Questions about Self Harm

BillieTheBot

Due to having some personal problems and generally feeling shit, I ended up self harming on Tuesday. I now have a scar - how long will it take for the scar to heal? (Right now I have a bit of a scab there and seem to catch it on everything)

Also, what's the best thing to cover it with? There are some plaster like things that fade scars or something, do they actually work? (currently I've just used plasters or medical tape and something else, but the area just goes sticky and vile if I take it off)

I work with children (well, am training to but have to attend a work placement for 2 days a week) anyone know what's likely to happen (if anything) if any of the people I work with, course leaders or tutor find out about what's going on?

Also, on Sunday a friend of mine asked me if I was suffering from depression, if I am (I've not seen anyone about this yet) what are the doctors likely to do to me? And will they do anything to me if I just go to them and tell them that I self harm? And will they tell my parents? (who don't know about this yet)

Former Member

Scars are different for everybody. I have fair sensitive skin and when I get a scar they don't go away, and barely fade either. There are several products you can use to help. I've never tried one of the scar reducing band-aids though. I like to use a product called neosporin, if you have it there. It is an anti-bacterial cream that aids in quicker healing and scar reducing you can use it on open wounds. After it is healed, the doctor has reccomended a gel called Mederma. It works great. My sister first had to use it for a harry potter scar and its grand stuff, every doctor and pharmacist I've asked about scar reducing things has said to use that.

Keep it clean, and winter is a great time for long sleaves

Former Member

don't let your course tutors find out. although they might be sympathetic that you are having problems, they might take it the completly wrong way as you are working with children. - that might sound a bit far fetched but i assure you its not.

Former Member

i have used scar reduction patches before and they've had very little effect but set me back £20 a time. what worked best for me was calamine (sp?) lotion which was about 99p, a much better investment. however you shouldnt use the patches or any other similar aid until it's completely healed over. if it's just one cut then the chances are that it won't come across as self harm to people, but keep it covered with anything to avoid people noticing. make sure you use lots of antiseptic cream until the scab gets better.

it very much depends on your doctor as to what action they take but they'll probably discuss the options with you before coming to a decision. if they feel you are clinically depressed then they might refer you to the psychiatric team who can give more specialised help, or they could offer you regular appointments or a referral to a counsellor. it's nothing to worry about and much better to ask for help than to suffer in silence. your gp will only tell your parents if they think you are in danger.

take care love

Former Member

Thanks for your help.

don't let your course tutors find out. although they might be sympathetic that you are having problems, they might take it the completly wrong way as you are working with children. - that might sound a bit far fetched but i assure you its not.

You mean they might see me as a danger or something?

Former Member

Sofie wrote:

Thanks for your help.



You mean they might see me as a danger or something?

Basically, yes. It's really fucking harsh, but Otter's right, worst-case scenario they could.

That said, I wouldn't say don't tell your tutors that you are having problems, and I would advise you go and see your GP. They are likely to help you to get some kind of emotional or talking-therapy kind of support.

Take care.

Former Member

Scar reduction advice I've heard from several completely different professional sources is rubbing pretty much any kind of cream into it (once healed over) on a very regular basis is the best way.

Barradell

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, hopefully some of the links below might be able to help you deal with the situation.

You might find some information in our article on minimising self harm that may help you deal with future self harming if you feel this urge again. The article can help avoid injuries that will as problematic in the future. The article also mentions some things to try to help reduce scarring which might want to consider.

GP's tend to be much better at helping people with problems than they used to be in the past, especially problems relating to things like self harm and depression.

Our article on understanding depression might help you get a better angle on whether you feel depressed or not. A lot of the 'signs' listed can seem a bit generic, but at least it's a starting point.

A GP is able to provide access to other services that can help with mental health problems, if you don't go through the GP you'll find it harder to access services provide by the NHS. There's a whole range of different treatments for mental health problems, and as others have said you might want to consider talking treatments - especially to help you deal with the personal problems that you've mentioned.

In addition there's a number of organisations that might be able to help more (and feel free to use the boards to talk about any problems - or even the depression and self-harm thread if you don't want to start a new thread)

There's a full article of self harm links and in particular the Bristol Crisis Service for Women has a great reputation.

Saneline can also talk to you about specific questions around depression, self harm and treatments available. They are available on 0845 767 8000.

Get Connected is a free helpline that will find the best service to connect you to and provide the call for free to that service. They're also one of the few services where you can call for free from a mobile. Their number is 0808 808 4994.

Don't forget TheSite is also here to help, from our question and answer service, askTheSite, to the boards (well obviously!)

Former Member

In terms of fading scars, I've found the best stuff to use is:

Cocoa Butter - http://www.boots.com/shop/product_details.jsp?productid=1041651&classificationid=1039094

Cocoa Butter Scar Serum - I find this the best stuff to use. Its expensive but lasts ages and has worked wonders with my scars (some aren't even visible anymore). They sell it in Wilkos and Superdrug - http://www.amazon.com/Palmers-Cocoa-Butter-Scar-Serum/dp/B00009ENBV

Bio Oil - http://www.boots.com/shop/product_details.jsp?productid=1065551&classificationid=1033965

I find that scar reduction pads are a complete and utter waste of time. I wouldn't bother using those tbh.

Former Member

Thanks.

Barradell - I've had a look at some of those links before and found them useful.

Former Member

xsazx wrote:

Vitamin E is meant to be very good to reduce scarring was reccommended by the hospital when mum had her hips replaced x x x

people say that, but imo it does f* all... depends on the scar / injury i guess.
tho' nothing hides scars as good as clothing.

Former Member

Vitamen E moisturisers rubbed in repeatedly do a good job, although most of that is the rubbing in bit rather than the Vit E.

S'all about the rubbing....

Former Member

Can't find it on the website, but I was in Boots on Thursday and they had some scar spray, does anyone know if this actually works?

And does anyone know why the scars become painful if they come into contact with water?

Former Member

Hurting when fresh scars hit water is part of the healing process.

I would agree with the others, by the way, that expensive products aren't worth it.