I've found that for me, personally, I have been judged much more by my own family than by anyone else. Well, openly at least. It use to hurt a lot. And sometimes it still does, but I'm out of that situation now and on the road to recovery.
Sophomore year was the beginning of hell for me. Something in me snapped and I just couldn't control myself anymore. I asked my family for help but was denied it. I was told that people didn't speak of having problems like I did out in the open. I was told to just deal with it. So I did, in my own way. I'd lock myself in the bathroom and cut.
In a way, I wanted people to find out. I dropped hints and everything. But no one ever did.. I think a few did, but they pretended not to. It would have been an inconvenience to them. Long story short, I have bipolar disorder among other things. I'm just now getting treatment for it (I'm 20 btw) and things are getting a tad bit better. Slowly, but better.
I just can't see judging someone for cutting, depression, sexual orientation, anything. I also dated a girl once in Junior year and lost my best friend because of it.
I dyed my hair tons of times and was picked on for it by my
family. Not friends. Probably strangers. But my family of all people. They especially made fun of my bleached rainbow bangs:
My mom said it was embarrassing to be seen with me the way I presented myself. I use to care. But now I feel foolish for it. What does it matter what I look like? Don't look at me if you have a problem.
BUT I do believe that the mean looks, stares, and comments made me a better person. I now voice my opinion very strongly when someone tries to bash another person for the way they look, their race, gender, sexual orientations, etc. People tend to roll their eyes at me when I do it, but what do I care? It's my life, they can simply get over it.
Phew. Sorry for the supper long post.