Self harm scars and the medical

[Soapies 18]

Sooo, I've been (anxiously) reading ahead at what there is to come for me and I've seen a lot of red flags around the topic of self harm and being approved a visa. That if you have evidence of being a risk to yourself you will be denied.

So here's my thing. I have self harm scars on my body from several years ago that are no longer relevant to me and are actually an embarrassment. They are on my upper arm and the side of my torso and are very raised and pinkish. (I have a stupid skin condition where my scars raise).

Do I get a note from my family DR saying that I am in the clear? What do I do? Can I avoid the physician even seeing them in the medical? Basically if I get shots done at the medical, they will see my scars and I am afraid of what to do then.



EDIT:: So I can get my vaccinations before hand. But I will be robed during the medical. They are definitely apparent when wearing a robe. How effective would my Drs note be that I am not longer a danger to myself? Stupid teenage decisions.

Edited July 17, 2014 by Soapies

[JIJourney 96]

Sooo, I've been (anxiously) reading ahead at what there is to come for me and I've seen a lot of red flags around the topic of self harm and being approved a visa. That if you have evidence of being a risk to yourself you will be denied.

So here's my thing. I have self harm scars on my body from several years ago that are no longer relevant to me and are actually an embarrassment. They are on my upper arm and the side of my torso and are very raised and pinkish. (I have a stupid skin condition where my scars raise).

Do I get a note from my family DR saying that I am in the clear? What do I do? Can I avoid the physician even seeing them in the medical? Basically if I get shots done at the medical, they will see my scars and I am afraid of what to do then.

EDIT:: So I can get my vaccinations before hand. But I will be robed during the medical. They are definitely apparent when wearing a robe. How effective would my Drs note be that I am not longer a danger to myself? Stupid teenage decisions.

People make stupid decisions when they are young, but now you have changed. So you should be in the clear

[Soapies 18]

My DR is fantastic but she's also kind of ... thorough. So every time I see her she's writing millions of notes about my mental state and I've only gone to see her when there have been problems. (Obviously, I wouldn't book an appointment just to tell her I was having a lovely week lol) so I worry that on my records there'll be an abundance of "depression" notes and mental health issues. I have had mental health struggles for a while now (stemming from self worth issues that I have overcome in the last two years) but I haven't cut in a long time. I hope they can understand that even though last year I tried a new depression medication, it wasn't related to the scars on my arms. I never went to my Dr about the scars, only about the depression. And I never stuck with a medication for longer than 2 months because I always snapped out of it and worked it out myself.

I know I still have months to go, but I like to over plan and be ready for everything LOL

But thank you, I will definitely post all of my experiences for this so that I can potentially help others. The threads I found never followed the person through the medical and to the end of the process. So I will try to do that.

sigh.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You cannot avoid them seeing the scars, and you need to be truthful when asked about them. Yes, take along a note from your doctor stating the self-harm was years ago and you are no longer harming yourself and are mentally stable.

[JIJourney 96]

Good luck

[Portlandia 15]

I agree with KayDeeCee, the doctor will probably see the scars at some point during the medical (it's pretty thorough!), so best to be honest. I'd also recommend getting a letter from your doctor (as opposed to a printout of your medical records) that says that while you have had issues with depression in the past, that you're stable now.

If you've seen other posts from forum members who have had similar issues, you could send a private message to them and ask how the process went for them - I've done that a couple of times, and people have been so helpful and reassuring in their responses.

[Soapies 18]

If you've seen other posts from forum members who have had similar issues, you could send a private message to them and ask how the process went for them - I've done that a couple of times, and people have been so helpful and reassuring in their responses.

that is such a great idea, I never thought of messaging people... Thank you!

[SennaBrigante 92]

Better to be honest with the physician and just tell your story. Emphasize how much better you are now than when you were a teenager and that you see your doctor regularly.

They take notes of scars and other features like tattoos and piercings but they would also note your recovery and current state.

[TBoneTX 45,092]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves that phase. ***

[Sweetmelissa 82]

You might find this thread helpful http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/466188-past-mental-health-and-drug-use-problems/

[Al422 221]

If DR asks about the scars, tell him truthfully. The penalties for lying are severe. A medical report from your own doctor that it was very old conduct not likely to be repeated would be very helpful. If DR sends you to a psych eval anyway, all you can do is go. Make sure the report is original and signed in ink by your regular doctor.

Edited July 17, 2014 by Al422

[Elizabeth+Fred 35]

My DR is fantastic but she's also kind of ... thorough. So every time I see her she's writing millions of notes about my mental state and I've only gone to see her when there have been problems. (Obviously, I wouldn't book an appointment just to tell her I was having a lovely week lol) so I worry that on my records there'll be an abundance of "depression" notes and mental health issues. I have had mental health struggles for a while now (stemming from self worth issues that I have overcome in the last two years) but I haven't cut in a long time. I hope they can understand that even though last year I tried a new depression medication, it wasn't related to the scars on my arms. I never went to my Dr about the scars, only about the depression. And I never stuck with a medication for longer than 2 months because I always snapped out of it and worked it out myself.

I know I still have months to go, but I like to over plan and be ready for everything LOL

But thank you, I will definitely post all of my experiences for this so that I can potentially help others. The threads I found never followed the person through the medical and to the end of the process. So I will try to do that.

sigh.

Although the scars WILL be seen during the medical, they are from the past. People change over time, and so did you! Just book an appointment with your doctor, and explain that he can help you by writing a note stating that these scars are from a timeframe long ago, and that the causes are no longer an issue. Have him sign and date that letter, and bring it with you for the medical.

Also, the medical does not require you to bring a full copy of your own doctor's medical records, so all those 'depression notes' you worry about will never be seen during the medical!

The medical checks for STD's, HIV, TB, your vaccination history, and other 'major issues' that could affect people in the U.S. after you move there. Bring that 'scars letter', your vaccination history, and you most likely will be just fine!

[MUXAGIRL 69]

I am sorry you went through what you went through in your naive teenage years. Yes, your scars will be seen during the physical exam. The doctor is going to ask you to take off your clothes and wear one of their hospital robes, and there are no hiding anything.

But if you are out of the woods with your mental health problems in the past, it might help to take a note of your (former) or present psychiatrist who can vouch for you that you are not a threat to yourself anymore. When your scars are that apparent, don't try to lie about it. It can make matters much worse. Be truthful and jolly and let the doctor see that you are a nice happy young lady who has embraced life again.

As the poster said above, bring what's mandatory and unavoidable such as vaccination records, doctors note on your scars etc.

[CowBoE 429]

What has happened has happened and past can't be changed so let's think about what you can do.

During the medical exam...

1. If they don't specifically ask, obviously just leave it at that,

and do not act uncomfortable at possibly them looking at the scars.

2. If they ask what happened, try to be concise and clear in a way that will not

trigger them to ask you more questions and get the situation escalate unnecessarily.

You might want to think of few likely questions they may ask,

and practice your best answers.

Also, according to researches, in face to face communication,

our face expression and body gestures deliver stronger message

than the words that we speak.

So when you are giving your answers, do it with confident, stable, and

happy smile to let them see clearly that you are now sound and way

past that regretful event.

And do not give them even slightest hint of any "darn, I'm trouble" guilty look.

Best wishes

[Lights 56]

I'm sorry for what you have gone through. You should be proud that you overcame your struggles and is in a happy place, because you decided to do so and took charge. It takes a lot of courage and self-love to do that.

I know depression as I have experienced it myself. I was young and experienced a few traumatic events and my 15 year old self just didn't know how to process it. It is not shameful at all and have disclosed it. My depression was hardly documented though. I saw my doctor once and he referred me to speak with a psychologist. I did and they said I had very mild depression and "in a funk" with what had happened. I sought help from a therapist for a few months and I was good. I was never given medication but I did disclose this information and I was approved.

There is another thread, I believe in the Canadian forums, about a member here who had past mental health and drug problems. I recall reading that she got a doctors note like others have suggested. I believe she also came prepared with reference letters from employers, friends, people in the community. It just shows that yes you had a past but you are also very aware that it is in your past and you have full control over your mental state.

Good luck to you!