Rachel Rowan Olive, 26, chooses not to cover her scars in hot weather, but she’s tired of the stigma she often experiences as a result. “It’s just exhausting being on high alert all the time for how people are going to respond,” the illustrator and MA student says. “I’ve finally been able to do things like go swimming and wear summer dresses without worrying about it,” she says. Although self-harm is most common between the ages of 13 and 24 , scars can last much longer, and people’s reactions can add an extra layer of distress. Due to the complex relationship many people have with scars, it’s important that people behave appropriately when they see them, whatever the time of year.

Source: Huffington Post August 27, 2018 07:52 UTC