Your Scars Don't Define You
By: Melina Farahmand
Author of “From Dust to Breath: Finding Our Place in the Circle of Life.”
(Available on Amazon).
Founder & Owner: Past Present Future Co.
Disclaimer: The following article mentions topics such as suicide, self-harm, and cutting. Some of these topics may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion is advised.
Actress Michelle Borth is not only a hero onscreen with her roles as Lieutenant Catherine Rollins on CBS' Hawaii Five-0 and Mary Marvel on Shazam, but she is also proving to be a hero off-screen with her new initiative Roll Up Your Sleeves (RUYS).
What exactly is this new project? "Roll Up Your Sleeves is an organization designed to help instill confidence and hope to those who suffer from the physical scars from their battle with mental illness, by offering a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure to help diminish the appearance of scars."
Mental health is a challenging topic to discuss for many people, shame and embarrassment, or the feeling of being alone, often deters individuals from speaking up about it. Attempts to end one's life are a completely different challenge to undertake, specifically regarding one's ability to address those dark times. Through this incredible initiative, Michelle Borth gives people a seat at the table, so they, too, can go forward from some of their lowest points in life. RUYS provides individuals with the resources they need to achieve this purpose. For this project, Borth partnered with a well-respected cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Alexander Rivkin, a graduate from Colombia University and Yale Medical School. While she has known him for many years, it took Borth a long time to address the scars on her wrist that were a constant reminder of what transpired many years ago when she attempted to take her own life. Borth, having been a competitive gymnast and a star student, was used to the pressures that life had often thrown her way. Still, she reached a point where she turned to drugs and self-injury:
"By 17- years old I morphed from an incredibly bright, straight-A student and competitive athlete into a drug addict on the verge of failing out of my second high school. And then, I found myself in the position no one, not even myself could have predicted. Suicide."
She tells the story of the particular and carefully-planned way she was going to do this. After purchasing the things on her list, she had rented a hotel room far away from her home. Approximately seventeen hours later, following the attempt, she had unexpectedly woken up to see the aftermath of what had transpired. I can personally say I am grateful that she did, against all the odds she woke up, she had survived.
Michelle is someone I hold close to my heart. Having brilliantly played one of my favorite heroines on television, she is a force to be reckoned with. Besides being a talented actress, she is also an advocate for many issues that I am passionate about, a beautiful and intelligent woman. Still, most importantly, Michelle is a human being. She is someone's daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, she's a wonderful storyteller, and now, she can add "hero" to that list. Yes, Michelle is someone's hero. This initiative may just be the thing that can help those who want to ease the appearance of their scars to move forward. While some prefer to keep their scars as a reminder of what they have overcome, some prefer not to. This project doesn't just address the physical aspect. It also presents the conversation about mental health issues, which covers that aspect as well.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Many people do not have the financial resources to seek therapy or other forms of taking care of their mental health. We should be this a more prominent priority than it is now in this country. Many suffer from a variety of diseases that influence the mind and soul. If they don't receive the help they need, there's always the possibility of them attempting to take their own lives, and some may not be as lucky to wake up. The stigma surrounding the subject matter needs to be put to rest, and the conversation needs to be opened up. For those of you who are struggling remember: your scars do not define you, you are not alone, and there is still so much left for you to live for. Don't give up. Your brighter days have yet to come.
Dr. Rivkin and Michelle Borth have figured out a way to provide this treatment to people at no cost. If you’re interested, check out the RUYS website to learn more (linked below).
“Roll Up Your Sleeves is a movement dedicated to those who are suffering the physical scars from mental illness, including self-harm, NSSID, drug abuse, and suicide attempts. Many people find it difficult to move forward from the stigma attached and the constant reminders branded on their bodies. We would like to offer a solution to anybody suffering in silence. Your struggle does not define you, and neither do your scars.”
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(800) 273-8255
