A few questions

[lyriclover]

In my gym class all the girls change together. I have a lot of kinda big cuts on my leg. We're required to change if we want full credit for the day. How do I change without everyone seeing my cuts. it's not like the ones on my wrist wich i can hide with bracelets.

Also the cuts are so bad that wearing jeans over them really hurts. Should I go with shorts until it's healed? People gave me weird looks today because it's cold where i live. By cold I mean like 30 so not shorts weather.

I've been trying to help a friend who also self harms. She says I've helped her a lot but I'm not really sure. I'm worried that there's going to be a time when she needs me and my own problems will prevent me from helping her. She knows and trys to help me. It's hard to help each other when we can't even help ourselves. What do I do?

[jessygurl09]

i would say to wrap your legs with an ace bandage, for the changing part.. i would say no to the shorts though, just stick with the jeans
and you can be of help to eachother without realizing it.. just knowing theres another person who gets it and understands and whos there for you will help some. atleast it does for me(:

hope i helped a little!

[lyriclover]

Kool thanks. I got the gym things sorted out. If i wear shorts to school I don't have to change. My friend and I were hanging out with another of our friends and we all promised to help each other as much as we can. Things are starting to look up.

[Noirtier]

In my gym class all the girls change together. I have a lot of kinda big cuts on my leg. We're required to change if we want full credit for the day. How do I change without everyone seeing my cuts. it's not like the ones on my wrist wich i can hide with bracelets.
The easiest thing I could think of would be to either wear some sort of bandage over them. If you can find some sort of supportive athletic wear to wear underneath your clothes, then I might recommend that instead.

Also the cuts are so bad that wearing jeans over them really hurts. Should I go with shorts until it's healed? People gave me weird looks today because it's cold where i live. By cold I mean like 30 so not shorts weather.
If you want to keep them concealed, I would suffer through it and wear jeans or sweats (if they're allowed by your school) until they're healed. Avoiding the tighter jeans might help it hurt less. But, wearing shorts will only raise suspicion and, while it might help relieve pain some, it could cause complications in the long run if someone finds out.

I've been trying to help a friend who also self harms. She says I've helped her a lot but I'm not really sure. I'm worried that there's going to be a time when she needs me and my own problems will prevent me from helping her. She knows and trys to help me. It's hard to help each other when we can't even help ourselves. What do I do?
Just being there for each other is sometimes the best help a friend can offer. I know you're both going through stuff, and it's hard. But being there for each other, and being able to rely on each other is something that can help the both of you--whether you come up on rough times or not. You can relate to each other and the struggles you're going through a lot more than most people at this point, and you two could even help each other recover together.

[lyriclover]

Eh Im not the only one in shorts and I can't buy any wraps or anything cuz Im 14 and not athletic at all. That would make people more suspicious than not changing or changing in the bathroom.

[its.me.akshay]

First of all things... Dont carry into self harming yourself! There are much better things you can achieve without harming yourself!
And for the help you asked... Try cotton bandages.... Wrapped ones.... Its what i use when i have hurts and i hit the gym.... Not self harming... But the kind athletes get...! It will be strange going on with cotton bandages wrapped round your leg but you will feel accustomed to it in a few days.... And since your place is cold... It will heal better... And dont wear jeans above cuts... It can worsen them...!

[lyriclover]

Okay how would I aquire the bandages. Im 14 the closest store is an hour drive from my house and I'm broke. And I don't own sweat pants only jeans and shorts. Oh and right now it's 20 degrees.

[LoveMe_HateMe]

Have you tried wearing tights/leggings? Something that you can away with wearing under your jeans/shorts... especially if its cold outside. I used to wear leggins in the winter under my school trousers and quite comfortably got change for gym with all the other girls... Oh, and leggins/tights might help with the cuts hurting as they tend to be softer than the harsh material of jeans :)

ALso, going back to you being worried about not being able to help your friend when you are wanting the help - iys amazing how you can put your own feelings aside to help other people rather than yourself, trust me on that one :)

I hope this helps :)

[Desuetude]

I wear leggings under all the trousers I wear, it helps that I'm anemic and get cold very easily but that's an idea for you. They also keep tissues/bandages in the right place which will help with the rubbing from your jeans etc.

[lyriclover]

Believe it or not I don't own tights or leggings. Im strictly a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl subbing in boy shorts and hoodies when appropriate.

[Desuetude]

Believe it or not I don't own tights or leggings. Im strictly a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl subbing in boy shorts and hoodies when appropriate.
Well could you buy a pair and wear them under your jeans, that's what I do as well as under school trousers. It's the easiest thing you can do to help.

[lyriclover]

That would require having a reason for asking my parents to but me some.

[Angbdxgf]

Since you self harm im guessing (hoping) you have a first aid kit of sorts? With some gauze? Open up the gauze to make it flattish, cover up the cuts and tape it down with something. In this case smaller areas is better cuz it prevents chafing and rubbing.

Jeans are actually the worst thing to wear when you have wounds (healing or open) because the texture is so rough it rubs and hurts like a #(&^$ and once that happens, the roughness also makes it easier for the material to stick to the actual wound itself. I personally agree with teh whole rather wear jeans than let people know by wearing shorts but then again thats your decision to make. Pain vs conspicuous?

Also agree with the leggings/stockings thing. Since you dont have any try trading clothes/books/movies ect with someone in exchange for them. If they ask, just say you needa keep warm cuz your anaemic, are broke, and cant get any! The anaemic excuse would also work with your parents (assuming they know)

With having a friend who also self-harms...Take it carefully. You shouldnt be sacrificing yourself for her (you should'nt for ANYONE)while she shouldnt be doing the same for you. Having a close friend who does these kind of things can lead to major dependency issues which isnt the most healthy for a relationship especially between teenagers.

Do e-mail me if you would like to :)
Much love and snuggles <3

[LitBlackRose]

Leggings under say you have sensative skin and that you get cold to easy