[NeverEnoughx]

Hi, I am new here but I am certainly not new to the mental health system 😕

I have been suffering with self harming behaviours for years. I recently started smoking and have been using the cigarettes to self harm. My question is, I have recently been rubbing dirt all over the open blisters and then dressing over the top and my arm smells like someone has died...what do I do?

PLEASE do not tell me that I'm being stupid, to go and see my GP, that I am attention seeking because I'm not. The reason I'm posting on here is because I have googled endlessly my situation and hacent found anything of what I'm experiencing.

I'm sorry, please don't judge me I just need advice.
I can't ask people in real life for help because they will judge me so harshly. I am in hospital in a MH unit and the nurses don't really understand but I'm around other patients and I'm really conscious of the smell. I'm a bit stuck 😔

Thanks,
NE.

Are the nurses aware that you're putting dirt on your wounds? If they smell that bad chances are they've become infected and you really need to get that looked at and treated. I know you're scared of being judged but are there any nurses you get along better than others and trust more? Perhaps you would feel comfortable telling them so they can take a look?

I believe the best thing to do is to talk openly with your treatment team (mental and physical) so that you can come to understand why it is that you do what you do ... How it came about and all that ... We don't just choose to self harm for no reason ... There is something underlying it, and for me, once I knew what that was and started working on healing that wound, the self harming behaviors eased up too ... In the meantime, if at all possible, let the professionals tend to your wounds without your interference, and try to educate them about why people self harm ... Sending good thoughts for your discovering the why of it and being able to heal well along the way!

Sincerely,
Pfrog!

[Skeezyks]

Hello NeverEnoughx: No one here on PC will judge you. We've all been there. I'm sorry you are experiencing this difficulty. It does sound as though your injuries are infected. Since you're in a MH unit in a hospital, I would presume you cannot get access to anything you could use to try to treat this yourself. It would be best to have the medical staff where you are treat your wounds. Please reach out for the help you need.

I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. There are many knowledgeable & caring members here. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!