(Possibly triggering) Working as HCP with SH scars

[NamechangeHCPthread]

I've been considering retraining as a particular allied health professional for a while now and I really want to do it, but one thing that concerns me is that I have old scars on my wrist from an incident of self-harm - more than a decade ago. The scars aren't huge, but when you see them it's very obvious what they are, and I think they've faded as much as they're going to (which isn't much, to be honest).

Do you think this would be an issue, as I'd need to be bare below the elbows? I usually wear long sleeves, or a watch/bracelet if I can't do that, so the idea of them just being out there is quite scary. I'd consider a tattoo, but feel like that might be more of a barrier than the scars (they're right down by my hand).

Thanks for any advice.

I don't think it would be an issue. I'm a healthcare student with extensive self harm scars on my arms, particular lower arms which are highly visible in my uniform. I worked as a lower level HCP (band 3) for 2 years before becoming a student so have spent a considerable amount of time in a healthcare environment with bare below the elbows policy. Honestly, not a single person has commented. The only time it came up was with occupational health but they just wanted to be sure it was in the past and also so that they're aware of it so they can offer help if it becomes an issue for us in the future.

Good luck with retraining and don't let your past hold you back!

I always think.how brave a person is to overcome it when I see old SH marks and they appear happy and confident today.

I know this isn't my thread but what a lovely comment @Shouldbedoing

OP just to add, really well done on overcoming it and I hope your MH is doing a lot better now. It's a really difficult thing to overcome.

I’ve been a nurse 8 years and have some faded scars on my arms, no one apart from occy health have asked about them, and that was to make sure I was ok/needed any support.
Go for it.

I have a few colleagues who have SH scars. I've never known anyone comment on them.

I work in MH and I know more HCP with SH scars than without. I promise that no one will care. Life is hard, we’ve all got a story to tell, and that’s what makes certain individuals such wonderful HCPs. Good luck to you!

I don't think it will be an issue. I don't even know if anyone recognises my scars for what they are. No one has ever asked. Good luck with your career plans

I had a midwife with very obvious sh scars coating her arms. Didn't bother me, didn't look like it was stopping her.

Go for it OP. As a HCP myself (Physio) I can reassure you that it will not be a barrier. And even in my (somewhat judgy) profession, I feel confident you would not be discriminated against.

Patients can be very blunt/rude/insensitive though. So you might need to be prepared on how you will respond to comments. Not that this is acceptable of course, but it might happen so best to have a stock response to hand. 9/10 patients in my caseload are absolutely delightful.

Thanks so much, everyone! I feel so much more encouraged now. I've worked in admin roles in healthcare before and have sometimes noticed dismissive attitudes towards mental health problems, so it's really nice to read these comments from people who work in the health field.

@Knobblybobbly - what kind of answers should I give to patients?

“The focus of this appointment is your health, I think we should stick to that”

I’ve used ‘less about me, more about you’ with a smile on my face when patients have asked questions which were a bit personal.

It's not an issue at all. I used to actively self harm, at work I'd put a dressing on and just say the cat scratched me. My colleagues knew about it but it was a complete non issue. My colleague has much much worse scars than I have and again it's not been an issue for her either.

I don't think it would be an issue I've spotted a few people with them before without meaning to and I've always thought they are quite brave to of moved past that and continue going about whatever they are doing for example I've seen a nurse with them. It doesn't bother me at all just makes me feel a little sad to think that, that person has been through something horrible in their past etc

Definitely wouldn't be an issue and could even be helpful - I went to A&E after SH and the nurse who looked after me told me she used to do it too. She totally got it and understood it and made me feel a lot less stupid for ending up in that situation. Well done on how far you've come and best wishes for the future

I'm really glad I made this thread, it's been hugely reassuring. Thanks, and to others who've experienced similar issues.

@NamechangeHCPthread Good luck if you choose to do it x

Thank you for this thread, my dd has been self harming and has been left with scars, I’m so glad to read the positive responses on here and also see people get past it and live happy, fantastic lives. Thank you