Feeling different

You might feel “different” for a number of reasons.

If your condition has or continues to involve surgery or other medical treatment, your life experience could be very different to your friends and peers. This can feel isolating and as if your life is set apart from others. Sharing your experiences with good friends and family can help reduce this sense of difference, and enable other people to have a greater appreciation of how things are for you. Read more

Feeling sad or depressed

Even if you have been living with your condition for many years, it doesn’t mean that you won’t feel depressed sometimes. This might be for a number of reasons. Perhaps you’ve encountered a lot of hostility because of your appearance or you feel that how you look is getting in the way of your relationships or career opportunities. Some people can feel depressed about what they feel are lost opportunities, or what they imagine their life might have been like. Read more

Feeling angry

It can be hard to live in a society that seems to place such an unhealthy emphasis on appearance and imposes such a narrow definition of “beauty”. You might feel angry that you have to live with your disfigurement, whilst others seem to have a much easier life. You might also feel invaded by or angry that you are exposed to other people’s curiosity, and sometimes their ignorance or abuse. Read more

Feeling embarrassed or ashamed

Some people talk of feeling embarrassed or even ashamed of their appearance. This could be for a variety of reasons, for example, some of your encounters with people in the past may have been negative, you may have been humiliated or you may be fearful of exposure. Read more

Feeling like you’ve lost your identity

When your appearance changes as a consequence of trauma, surgery or disease, it can feel like a part of (who) you (are) has been lost. Many people talk of not recognising their own reflection / themselves and this feeling can last for some time. Read more

 

Feeling anxious or scared

It’s not unusual for some people to feel anxious and worried, especially about meeting new people, going into new situations, or being around large groups. This is quite natural, as each time you encounter new people, you may attract curiosity and may possibly be asked about your appearance. Such scenarios may cause you concern as you cannot be certain how other people will react and how you will manage their and your own reactions. Read more

Feeling positive and empowered

Living positively with a disfigurement requires resilience and a positive attitude. Many people tell us that they feel empowered by their life experience. Surviving painful surgery or other medical treatments, periods of hospitalisation, feelings of isolation, managing other people’s reactions, and achieving your personal goals or perhaps exceeding other people’s expectations of you, can all feel very good. Read more

If you are finding it difficult to cope with your feelings around your disfigurement do call Changing Faces on 0845 4500 275 or email info@changingfaces.org.uk