‘I’VE CREATED A SAFE SPACE WHERE WOMEN CAN TALK ABOUT BODY-IMAGE ISSUES – SUCH AS SCARRING’

Michelle Elman, 24, author and bodypositivity campaigner

I use social media to help women find their own body confidence.

Self-loathing can become all-consuming, and I want women to channel their energy into something more positive. It’s incredibly freeing to realise that your body should be used, enjoyed and celebrated, no matter your shape or size.

I hated my body so much because I had never seen another one like mine.

I have multiple scars – the result of 15 major surgeries for various conditions including hydrocephalus (fluid accumulation in the brain), a brain tumour, a brain cyst and a punctured intestine. It wasn’t until a photo I posted of myself on Instagram went viral three years ago that I realised my body – ‘imperfect’ as it is – isn’t something to hide away. I was done keeping my scars, my surgeries and my past a secret.

There’s a lot of comfort in realising you’re not alone.

Scarred Not Scared is a platform for a bigger conversation around bodyimage issues – to help women accept their own so-called imperfections and educate the general public about them, too.

Healthy body image is infectious.

I hope that my actions encourage women to weigh up how important those little hang-ups really are. I’m proof that having a body that society might not deem ‘perfect’ doesn’t hold you back. Michelle’s book, Am I Ugly? (£14.99, Anima), is out on 12 July; michelleelman.com; @Scarrednotscared; @Bodypositivememes