I've been in secondary school for two years now, some of my class mates still don't know that I have Virtiligo. Some f the younger years ask " How do you have white on your neck and forehead" my reply is always "It's just my skin . To be honest,i'm sick of saying that. I want to be able to walk around and not to be judged.. I know everyone judges peoople but it would be so much easier if I could wear a skirt without having to cover up with tights . Does anyone have any advise? What should I say if people ask me ? Thank you xoxo
You need to be a member of Vitiligo Friends to add comments!
Replies
My 12 year old daughter has it all over her ankles, shins, knees, thighs. She wears a uniform to school and shows it all and does not care. I think her attitude is "I don't care and it does not bother me", so kids leave her alone. I think she focuses on her beautiful side, and is and feels beautiful.
I know how hard this can be. I didn't have Vitiligo in school, but I can imagine the social aspects make it much more difficult.
As an adult, it's only young children who say anything to me now. I think the older kids and adults feel the social boundaries and believe it's "polite" to not say anything, but I can see them looking. I think I'd rather that they would say something, so I'll often say, if I see them looking: "Have you noticed my Vitiligo? It's the same skin disorder Michael Jackson had." And I'll point to it and smile. To young kids I'll say, "it's not contagious, do you want to touch it?" Not sure how an uninformed parent would feel about that, but I've never had an issue and kids are open and honest and want to know more, like, if it hurts.
It might take some confidence, but I wonder if you could turn it into a running joke? Like: "It's a progressive tattoo I'm getting--what do you think? Just kidding. It's called Vitiligo..." Or, "I'm slowly learning to become invisible... you mean it's working? :) " That would be pretty brave.
I can't say you will overcome all of your feelings, but there will be moments when things change, when friendships become strong enough that support from those who understand shifts how you feel.