anonymous, pe, america

Comment p.s people think i am lying to them when i say i had a happy childhood or accept my appearance. I've learned that insecure men nitpick about my face when they need to control how i feel about myself and my sexuality; in other words if I felt good about myself or met someone else nicer, they would 'lose' me. But why did they ask me out in the first place !! Other men have been appreciative, even delighting in my appearance, so I think people who overall are positive and larger-minded are the ones who accept disfigurement. I've also noticed people who need to feel sorry for themselves need an excuse and resent the fact that i take responsibility for my happiness--i mean, if i do that, they no longer have an excuse to act that way,so they try to belittle me and make me suffer too. Projection is the word that comes to mind. I really hope people with disfigurements have the courage to point this out to people who act like that, because it is the truth and needs to be heard. "I don't suffer from disfigurement as much as your attitude towards it". Put the problem back where it belongs. People need to grow up and accept their bodies as mortal; disfigurement can happen to anybody, and they are not "exclusive" or immune. Arrogance! We are all equal flesh and blood human beings, and it's high time to bring it down to earth. People learn nothing about reality and tolerance from people running off to the plastic surgeon to get 'fixed'. I tried that, and it hasn't stopped the rude remarks because those other people just learned they can make me cater to their erronous views of "reality".

anonymous, pe, america

Comment Very impressed with the quality of this site. I had a birth injury as a result of medical malpractice. My parents did not raise me to think of myself as 'less than' anyone else and that it was my birthright to be happy and live a fulfilling life. As a result (perhaps because children usually learn prejudice later on) I grew up with wonderful friends and romantic relationships. It was only in junior high (when body issues are enforced socially) that I experienced bullying. Still, I believed in my wholeness and right to be happy, etc. Ironically, I've faced verbal harassment from adults. But knowing how to talk back helps!

caren jackson , ja, Location

100 benntte court axminsrsters road london n76gb caren jackson son brothers we all in joy icee satacking

janie, 16, mid wales

I am currently just finished my GCSE and plan to go to sixform to study pyschology .i am a suffer of Ramsey hunt syndrome and plan to raise money for this charity and would love to volunteer janielou@hotmail.com

Michelle O'Brien, 39, Leamington Spa

Your site is tremendous and I would like to work for you in the capacity of counsellor and pyschotherapist. I have just qualified in Person- centred counselling and I have personal experience of disfigurement on my body. This is the area of counselling I am really passionate about and would like more information about other offices, hopefully one local to me. I am presently volunteer counselling for Mind in Hinckley yet I would like to specialise in counselling people who have disfigurements. My email address is michelle569@hotmail.co.uk. Mob 07533548385

Michelle O'Brien, 39, Leamington Spa

Your site is tremendous and I would like to work for you in the capacity of counsellor and pyschotherapist. I have just qualified in Person- centred counselling and I have personal experience of disfigurement on my body. This is the area of counselling I am really passionate about and would like more information about other offices, hopefully one local to me. I am presently volunteer counselling for Mind in Hinckley yet I would like to specialise in counselling people who have disfigurements. My email address is michelle569@hotmail.co.uk. Mob 07533548385