when is self harm an issue?

[usuklove 0]

hey, i have my medical soon. this is something that i have brought up before and am hoping that my mind can be put to ease before the medical. i used to cut myself when i was a younger. nothing too deep but enough to leave scars. at the time i probably though i was really depressed because of bullying and my parents being divorced and stuff but now looking back i know i was stupid for doing it. i know there is a question about it on the medical questionaire. i am more than likely answering yes to this question but i was wondering when is the self harm stuff an issue? i have scars but theyre old and some of them are covered by tattoos but you can see some of them also. i dont do it any more and havent for some time now. i didnt try to slit my wrists or anything... i was just a kinda dumb kid. is this even the kinda thing that they mean by "have you ever injured yourself?" or do they mean like have you ever put yourself in hospital? my GP said that she thinks i should answer "no" to the question but then again it isnt her who faces the consequences if it is considered lying. will this be an issue or am i worrying over pretty much nothing? any advice is welcome and any recent experiences with the knightsbridge place is much appreciated. thanks guys.

Edited March 1, 2006 by usuklove

[raymaga 25]

I doubt very much that cutting yourself in the past would prevent you from getting your visa. I would be honest about the fact that you did it in the past, because if they see the scars during your medical exam and you didn't mention it, it could be seen as an effort to be deceptive on your part.

So, just be honest about it, and tell them you don't do it anymore. I'm sure you'll be just fine.

Edited March 1, 2006 by raymaga

[usuklove 0]

thank you for teh advice and opinion. do you thin i should be very detailed on the questionaire or should i just put osmething like "i used to cut myself a long time ago but dont anymore"?

[raymaga 25]

I always find that when dealing with Immigration or border officers, the less details you give, the better. Answer all their questions truthfully, IF ASKED, but don't dwell on it too much.

Good luck.

[usuklove 0]

im asking cause on the questionaire it has something like "if you answered yes to any of teh above provide an explination on teh other side of this sheet" ors oemthing like that.

[Miranda&James 8]

Be honest. Explain briefly on a seperate sheet that you did it as a child, and the reasons why. You are an adult now, youve changed. Everybody has done things they regret, its human nature, dont worry about it. I am very sure they have seen it many times before, depression is experienced by everyone at different levels.

If you didnt mention it and it looked like you were trying to hide it, thats when you might experience problems.

Honesty goes a long way...

~James