I have a question about self-harm

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I meet a lot of young women at conventions who have the scars of self-harm on their arms.

I want to be sure that if I'm saying or doing anything when I meet these people, it is helpful, kind, and loving.

So do I say nothing at all? Like, when I've met people who have dozens of scars on their arms, it feels strange not to acknowledge it, but I wonder if commenting is more hurtful than not? I want to be as compassionate and supportive as possible, and I don't know what the best way is to do that.

Essentially, I want to know if there's a way I can support and love the people who I meet who show signs of self-harm, or if the best thing to do, as a general rule, is to talk with them the same way I'd talk with someone who doesn't show signs of self-harm.

Thanks for your insights and advice.

VIEW 8 of 8 COMMENTS
sanitariumlxix:
I say don't acknowledge it if they're strangers. You have no way of knowing where they are in handling it, and it will likely make them feel self conscious. If they're friends or acquaintances, still tread carefully.
wizard0:
Personally, I would ignore the scars unless they made it obvious they wanted to talk about them.

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