Self harm scars in work.

Question

i used to self harm about 3 years ago and i have so many scars on my arm. Ive tried numerous skin lotions such as Bio oil and so forth. However i am sick and tired of wearing a fleece around at work. I work part time in a supermarket and it can get quite hot particularly in the summer, but how do i go about talking to my manager about this? i just cant take off my fleece and reveal my arms. It ll make the company look bad, questions from the customers etc.

I dont know what to do or how to approach this issue.

Thanks

Answer 1

You could always say you were in a car crash and went through the windscreen, or were pushed through a window or something.   I say car crash to explain the scars on my arms.  They are a constant reminder and embarrassment about what I used to do.

If the scars are really bad and getting you down why not ask your doctor what treatments are available out there, there must be something they can do!

Answer 2

wear a light cotton t-shirt with a white undershirt on under it (with long sleeves) or underarmour. it works for me and it's not nearly as hot as fleece!

Answer 3

Same issue here but I just don't care anymore, I found an excuse that sounds most probable and tell it to everyone who asks, to some people I tell that i've cut myself a few years ago, I don't really give a **** anymore.

That was the past.

People will not care as much as you think and you don't have to explain yourself besides you work in a supermarket youre not a sales director.

Answer 4

well first of all I like to say it is a blessing that you stop your habit. and how I see it you taking off your fleece shows that you been bless not to harm yourself nomore. and you want make the company look bad either. GOD BLESS YOU =)

Answer 5

If you think that your manager is approachable, tell him/her the truth and ask for advice or permission re: revealing your arms. If you don't want to reveal what really happened, then tell him/her that you were involved in an accident and you have several scars as a result. If you are pressed for details, say that you don't like to talk about it because you still have really bad memories and flashbacks from the situation. The thing is that people may already have wondered why your arms are always covered and just never said anything to you. I am often surprised at the things that people notice or think about. In any event, try the approach I suggested and see if it works. You may also consider wearing shirts with transparent or sheer arms. That way your arms aren't completely exposed and people may be less likely to ask you about the scars, than if your arms are in the open.  

Answer 6

employers must be inclusive. Any kind of discrimination is uncalled for.

Talk to your boss about it and say that you find it difficult to work in the hot weather and wish to show your arms. Don't say you don't think it's a good image or not, because people live, people have scars and it's their problem if they think it is going to offend someone. There are actually various makeup products available that can reduce the look of the scars. Most people are understanding, in fact it's worse to cover them up. There was  a girl in our class at school who had cuts all the way up both arms from years ago, and she showed them, she wore singlet tops etc and you got used to it, and didn't really notice them after a while. I guess you just have to learn to be proud of your body and not be afraid to show yourself. If the boss says no you have to wear something over it, then maybe you could come up with an alternative (like a light blouse) or find another job where they will accept you.  If people ask about it then just say "had a rough patch a while back, the scars don't go away though unfortunately" dont be afraid to tell the truth, in fact talking about it might help you get over your fears of people seeing them in the long run.  

Answer 7

Have you tried covering up the scars with make-up?

Answer 8

if anyone is rude enough to ask you what happened to your arms, you do NOT have to tell them. It is not their business. But if you want to say something, you can tell them you had an accident some years back and don't like to talk about it.

or you can just say "Oh, I don't like to talk about that". You don't owe anyone an explanation.

best wishes to you!