Emily Podmore

NAME: Emily Podmore
PLATFORM & USERNAME: Instagram @Emilypod_x
CENSORSHIP: Content Ban

What reason was given for your ban?

Sensitive content.

Why do you think your post(s) was censored?

Self-harm scars were shown.

Were you able to appeal and what was the response?

No.

What effect has your experience of censorship had on you?

I was disappointed in the prejudice that is obviously still present around self-harm when mental health awareness has improved so much.

It hindered my own recovery because then I was hiding my body and embarrassed about them, but I am finally in a good place in recovery and I would like to help other people that may be in this position so they can see it’s completely okay to have scars and to be proud of progress rather than hiding your body.

What’s one thing you want people to know about this topic?

Self-harm scars are nothing to be ashamed of, they don’t have to be hidden and we should learn to be happy in our bodies no matter what. I also want to be clear that any new self-harm injuries should be censored, they can be triggering and I do not want to encourage that at all, I am talking about completely healed old scars.