This is the final session of Face IT, well done for getting this far!
Today we’ll go over all the information you’ve received throughout the course.
We’re going to spend some time going over what you’ve learnt over the last 7 weeks. You can go back to previous sessions whenever you like, and we hope that you do.
This session will repeat the most important points we’ve talked about.
1: Problems
Feeling self-conscious or anxious in public
People with visible differences, just like you, can feel self-conscious and anxious about meeting people and going out in public because they worry about the reactions they may get from other people. Face IT has given you ways of dealing with these reactions
Staring, name-calling, comments
People are sometimes confused or uncertain when they see something unusual and might stare, comment or ask questions. All these can leave you feeling upset, fearful and lonely. But it can be helpful to know that staring is part of everyday life. Anything that looks different can result in curiosity, even if the difference is purely cosmetic, like a tattoo or body piercing, this can lead to staring.
Being defensive or cross doesn’t help
Although we understand that it’s easy to become angry, upset, frustrated or feel anxious when people stare or make comments – it doesn’t help. Although you might think that everyone’s judging you or being mean, don’t forget that some people don’t have a problem with your difference. They may just be curious or want to treat you normally, but don’t know how to behave or react towards you (remember this is likely to be something they’ve never come across before). If you become aggressive and confrontational, or shy and withdrawn, there is a risk that any interest that they may have had in talking to you will fade.
This isn’t to say that all the problems you may experience are because of the way you behave! Absolutely not! And if you feel you are being teased or bullied don’t put up with it! Tell someone you trust. But it does mean that there are things that you can do to help other people realise there’s more to you than your visible difference!
Becoming pre-occupied with your appearance
Thinking a lot about your own appearance is a common problem if you have a visible difference. But, if you become too focused upon your appearance, you’re more likely to think that people are responding negatively to you.