New in the community!

[Will20834]

Hey i’m new here on the forum. My visible difference may not be as severe as others but I feel as if I really associate with this community. I have quite severe acne scars, and as one of the only people I know with them, it makes it really hard to relate to others, so I feel as if I would relate to this community more. Just want to talk to someone about having a visible difference.

[Hidden]

Welcome to the community. Having a visible difference can be tough, I expect you've found this to some extent. I think the majority of people with a visible difference encounter name calling, staring and not relating to others too much. I'm more than to talk on these subjects or anything else you want to talk about.

[Blondebombsite]

Welcome. Don’t worry that your visible difference isn’t ‘severe’ enough, you’ll find this a really welcoming place to get support and advice.

My visible difference was very bad acne, it covered the whole of my face and neck, from the age of about 10 to my mid twenties, so I understand some of what you’re going through. Acne can be particularly hard to deal with because some people wrongly associate it with poor lifestyle choices, so you have the double whammy of looking different and being judged.

I was very fortunate that I haven’t been left with scars though. Have you investigated any treatments? I know that some treatments like dermabrasion and injections into the scars can often be successful. If you decide to try treatments I would be more inclined to use dermatologists rather than unqualified beauticians. Or you may decide to find other ways to manage and live with the condition . I remember once speaking to a friend who also had acne, by now we were both adults, and she was completely unconcerned about it and wondered why it bothered me. I’d love to have had her confidence! I’m sure there will be others here who can give advice and support.

All the best 😊

[Will20834 in reply to Blondebombsite]

Hi thanks for you reply! Having acne never really used to bothered me too much, it’s normal for a teenager, but when I first saw the scars I was so confused. Why me? why do others who have more severe acne not scar? Was it my fault? I hated looking even more different to others than I already did with severe acne. I have looked at treatment, and think I will get some, but my acne still needs to clear up. Having a visible difference that is acquired in life rather than something you’re born with is very strange, but hearing the stories of others with visible differences makes me feel better. I want to learn to be respectful to others with visible differences and/or disabilities, because as someone who never had those, I still have an internalised disrespect. It’s silly that it took my getting a visible difference for me to be truly respectful of others, but it’s a silver lining of the whole thing.

[Blondebombsite in reply to Will20834]

Hi, yes it’s strange how some people are left with scars but not others isn’t it? Honestly, if you’d have seen me when my acne was at its worst, you’d have thought I would be left with scarring. I do count myself very lucky.

It is interesting to get the perspective of someone who wasn’t born with a visible difference. There are quite a lot of people on here who are in similar situations to you and it’s interesting to hear their thoughts.

You’re very articulate, I’m sure you’ll be able to offer support to people and also change some attitudes amongst your friends and peers.

😊

[CarolinChangingFaces Partner]

Hi Will20834 and welcome to the Changing Faces community. Thank you for your post and for sharing about your situation. I can see you mentioned that your visible difference may not be as severe as others. We just wanted to let you know that Changing Faces supports all individuals with a mark, scar or condition that affects their appearance. This include differences anywhere on their body or face. We do not judge the severity of anyone's difference, as experience has taught us that doesn't tell us much about the impact it may be having on them. Instead we focus on how their difference makes them feel, so please feel free to share your experiences here. We hope you find it a supportive friendly place to connect with others. Take Care

Caroline - Changing Faces

[AlwaysSmiling Community Ambassador]

Hi Will20834 and welcome!

First of all, I'm so glad you found the community and feel that you can relate. Second, no matter what type of visible difference you may have or how 'severe' it may seem, it is still a visible difference and you're still more than welcome here.

One thing I found when I started to interact with others who had different conditions to me was that we still shared similar experiences. Although our differences may not be the same, I'm sure there will be lots of other experiences or feelings that we share. In fact, I can already relate to what you said about being the only person you know who looks like you. A few years ago, before I'd heard of Changing Faces, I felt quite alone because I'd never met anyone like myself. But now, I feel so included and welcomed into this amazing community and I'm hoping that you're able to feel the same. Best wishes🙂

[pianopoet]

Welcome! We all have different visible differences, but many of the same feelings and challenges with being self conscious and struggling with self esteem and self confidence. It is wonderful to come around and support each and encourage each other so we can live full and meaningful lives in spite of our difference. I hope this community bring you hope and courage:)!