My conclusion on the whole 'Attention seeker' Stereotyping.

[NeverGiveUp]

I hate how fellow self-harmer’s will turn around and say “don’t flash it about you’re only an attention seeker” when you’re wearing a short sleeved top.
When in actual fact, in my mind, if you’re able to wear a short sleeved top and own up to the scars along your wrist, then you are a strong person who will not shy away from what they’ve done in the past. It’s the people who say “don’t flash it about” who are the attention seekers. Firstly, they’d have to be an attention seeker to have that option in their head. Secondly, they may not want people seeing your scars in case ‘Their attention is stolen from them’.
…And that, is my conclusion <3

[Magenta]

That's not always true.

A lot are mostly ashamed about their own scars and can get jealous of people who aren't. They'd rather see them covered because then they're not the coward, at least that's how I've felt in the past.

A lot also don't understand that you're not doing it for attention. Some honestly can't comprehend how anyone could be comfortable with their scars. I don't leave my house because of mine.

[NeverGiveUp]

I'm really sorry to hear you can't even leave the house because of yours. I wrote this because I was reflecting back on the weekend when I'd work a short sleeved top for the first time in a long time and soMeone I knew came up to me, whilst admitting they did it theirselves, also told me not to flash it about. I just sat there and thought.. Well they're just faded scars, I'm not gonna hid from it forever.. I'm gonna own up to it if someone asks.. I'm gonna face up to what I've done. Plus it was far too hot for a hoodie ect..

[morbidmonkey]

thats not all true. this chick in my class literally comes to school and goes around broadcasting her cuts like "hey! look at this!" it gets a lot of people angry. but i guess i could just be wrong. but i really dont care anymore

[Magenta]

I'm really sorry to hear you can't even leave the house because of yours. I wrote this because I was reflecting back on the weekend when I'd work a short sleeved top for the first time in a long time and soMeone I knew came up to me, whilst admitting they did it theirselves, also told me not to flash it about. I just sat there and thought.. Well they're just faded scars, I'm not gonna hid from it forever.. I'm gonna own up to it if someone asks.. I'm gonna face up to what I've done. Plus it was far too hot for a hoodie ect..

Yeah but I know people who can't even fathom how people could do that and sometimes jump to the conclusion of "attention-seeking". I know you weren't and lots of people don't but they might not understand that.

[NeverGiveUp]

You all have very good points!
There are several people I know who will also broadcast it, and take pictures and put it all over Facebook... and so on..
and yes, they are the attention seekers, for broadcasting it. But broadcasting it and simply not shying away from your past are very different :)

and I also HATE how some people (who don't cut, and don't understand cutting) immediately hate how someone could inflict pain on themselves. It disgusts me how some one can be so cold! ..Maybe if they took the time to understand, and then maybe even venture into understanding the reason why that person reached the points of self harm. That would be a little nicer than immediately stereotyping!

[Magenta]

and I also HATE how some people (who don't cut, and don't understand cutting) immediately hate how someone could inflict pain on themselves. It disgusts me how some one can be so cold! ..Maybe if they took the time to understand, and then maybe even venture into understanding the reason why that person reached the points of self harm. That would be a little nicer than immediately stereotyping!

Well, people who broadcast it are another story.

For the part I quoted, I've given up on those people. I've had a few people come to me and ask me if I'm comfortable enough to help them understand. I have huge respect for anyone who actually takes the time and asks for information before judging and even if it's awkward, I gladly give it to them.

But then you get the people who can't be bothered. They think they know what they need to know and often make a judgement off of something that isn't true. I've met a few people I've tried to enlighten and they've just said I was some crazy emo. Yeah, it hurts but one thing I've learned is that they're not worth it. If they don't want to understand, it's their choice and we can't force them. What we can do is ignore it and then pity them because their ignorance will come back to bite them one day.

[Comatose]

I show the scars on my arms. I wear singlets, strapless dresses, short-sleeved T-shirts. If I am around my old friends, I act normal, as though I do not have the scars.... But if I am alone in public, or with people I barely know, then I am VERY, VERY conscious and will go out of my way to hide them/move in a manner that they won't be noticed as much.

I'm not that ashamed of my scars, I just cannot bare people who do not know me, or about my cutting, seeing them.

My ex-boyfriend brought up in an argument that I flash around my scars and let everyone see them. Which is so not true. :/ They are a part of me, a very large part, and a lot cannot be hidden. Why should I suffer even more than I already have to with wearing long sleeved shirts and/or jumpers in the summer? That said, I do try my hardest to cover up for school. :s