[Rainbow_fishB]

hello,
i'm 15, i self harm pretty much every day and in winter, its not a problem. Well it is obviously, but not as much as it will be. because in winter, i can wear a hoodie in P.E to hide my cuts, and a jumper at school and at home, and i can just about get away without going swimming.
But summer...i'm terrified. No-one knows i cut, not even my therapist. I cant tell anyone. My friends at school know, and they're the best but two of them are in the same situation and we dont know what to do. People at school are so insensitive. If someone sees another persons scars, everyone will know and their life will be hell. i've seen it happen. But if i keep my jumper on, i overheat and i faint. That happened A LOT last year. But i cant remember how i managed to hide it from everyone.
so does anyone have any ideas of either how to tell people before they just see, or how to stop people finding out?
Thanks,
Rainbow x

[tinyrabbit]

I'm sorry you feel this way and haven't been able to tell your therapist. I'm really sad to hear that you have the urge to SI, but right now it seems you need practical advice. Have you tried body foundation? Mac does a good one, I think it's quite expensive but lasts a long time. Also, could you wear lighter clothing, such as a thin cotton top instead of a jumper? Or fake tan?

[gloomyday]

hello rainbow fishb. im sorry youve gotten trapped in the cycle. im seventeen and i was around your age when i started cutting. (i just made it sound like im old but whatev. im kinda...no im a full blown loner. no friends, no real life, etc. so i dont go out much throughout the year except for school, doctor appointments, etc. but when i do go out during warmer weather i wear thin, long sleeved shirts. it usually doesnt get really hot, because it takes about 80 to 85 degrees for me to get comfortably warm. but for you i agree with tinyrabbit. if you dont want to risk trying makeup, find a really thin shirt. if you ever need to talk to someone, you can p.m. me anytime and ill try to respond as quick as possible. i hope you can get through the cycle soon and break free because, once you get trapped, it seems like it never ends.
many hugs to you.

[Silent_Tears_17]

You should really tell your therapist. Try not cutting below your knees or elbows. Wear regular tshirts not "girl cut" tshirt because the sleeves on real ones are longer. If you stop cutting in places now the scars will fade. Cutting your hips, stomach, things, and shoulders usually allow for adequate coverage. But please, please tell your counselor and try to get help.

Every fiber in my being is telling me it's wrong to share my advice on this topic, but I'm so conflicted because I remember being in high school (I'm in college now) and facing these same issues.

1) No more using your arms! Let those heal and wear bracelets. Bracelets are totally cute when you throw a few on together and no one thinks anything of them. If you need help covering scars that are still too obvious though, tattoo cover up works great. Just make sure you try it out at the store so you match your skin tone right.
2) While I don't want you hurting yourself at all if you have to-- inner thighs, hips, bra area, and shoulders are much easier to hide.
3) Buy thin long sleeve shirts
4) Don't hurt yourself more than once in the same area, it's much easier to make up an excuse if it's only one.

That's all I can think of for now, but I'll think on it.