Facial Scar & Face Asymmetry

[Ionising]

I had a childhood accident when I was 2 years old that resulted in a three inch scar in my lower cheek. This was circa 1965 and they stitched it up crudely. It was so traumatic I remember the circumstances leading up to the accident and being held down while they stitched me up. I've spent my whole life suffering as a result. I also have face asymmetry and uncorrected overbite etc. Bullying at school, being called ugly, nicknamed Frankenstein etc. This lasted until I left school. I grew up in the 60s and 70s in a poor household with not much in the way of resources or emotional nourishment.

I still pursued my career and had some romantic relationships, though not always healthy ones. In reflecting over my life I acknowledge my strengths in pursuing a career in the NHS that's had to make me 'visible' despite the challenges.

I've had therapy several times to help me negotiate my life and feelings of self worth. I see therapy as being imperative to supporting me to live a life that constantly challenges me as I often feel sad and find it difficult to look in mirrors etc. I have long periods of time where I feel fine and worthy etc and then the difficult feelings rise up again (regret, shame, anger etc). I'm a mother and a grandmother and am a resilient Scottish Granny lol.

Anyway, great to be here 🙂

[CarolinChangingFaces Partner]

Hi Ionising welcome to the Changing Faces community. Thank you for being so open and sharing about your experiences and how your visible difference has affected you. It sounds like you have been through a lot, not only the accident itself and the following medical treatment but also how others treated you during your school years. This must have been really difficult for you.

I can hear that despite feeling the support was not there when you were younger, you have worked towards your career goal, identified your strengths, and sought support through therapy when facing some challenging emotions.

I am sure others on our forum will be able to relate to some of the things you have shared, and I hope you find this a supportive place where you can connect with others and feel part of a community.

Take Care

Caroline - Changing Faces

[Shysteve]

good morning I'm Steve hope you're well,well-done for taking the hardest step of trying to convey your thoughts and feelings,I myself can understand some of these feelings and emotions of being verbally abused and treated as a social outcast,cleft,underbite,this made me not such a people person ,after finding this site and seeing all the amazing people here makes me feel part of something and able to speak freely to peiwho understand,so please if you need to talk/shout or rant ,just drop me a message and I'll do my best to listen,best wishes Steve

[Ionising in reply to Shysteve]

Thank you very much for your response Shysteve. It's good to be here in a shared supportive space. I hope your week is going well.