advice talking about my problem

[mill108]

I have difficultly talking about my oral/ dental problems. friends, family it's a bit of a non starter for conversations.


My problem has been with me since I was a teenager, maybe a bit earlier and it just hasn't got any easier to talk about and it's been quite all consuming.


Affecting me socially, self confidence has always been a problem.


A large tumour/ cyst caused my cheek to expand. I was deformed. Couldn't acknowledge it or talk about it. It was there for too long.


I thought I was dying. I thought it was permanent. I didn't want the attention. I didn't want to talk about it.


Finally I had surgery.


But by then I was a teenager. And I was different. I had teeth missing - in the front. I was scared, self conscious, and oh so inhibited. I couldn't ask for help.


Years of constantly hiding my mouth. Hiding the fact I have a plate from people, boyfriends etc


Then I spent lots of money on a bridge... And I've recently a lot of expensive surgery - bone grafting and implants.

I really want to put this all behind me, I have a really good therapist but I'm still finding this situation impossible to talk about.

Can anyone relate to this/ have advice.

thanks so much!

 

[elizv]

You went through so much at such a young age. I think you are doing well. Try not to be so hard on yourself. You'll get there. It might not be as fast as you want but it will happen in time.

 

[Sevena]

The first time you talk about something you've kept a secret/hidden is the hardest. It's often awkward and involves a lot of mumbling. After that, it gets much easier each time.

Have you spoken about it to your therapist yet, or are you working up to that?