I'm not really a fan of those terms. 'Herm' for fictional characters I take less issue with, since a character with a fully functioning penis and vagina (and the plumbing to match, typically) is, technically speaking, a hermaphrodite; however, the term has been used to malign actual intersex people and I have heard intersex people themselves say they find the term offensive, so I have been working on avoiding it. Instead I try to use the term 'futa' or 'futanari' which essentially means the same thing but doesn't have the same baggage attached to it. As for dgirl and cboy, I find the terms offensive. Same with sh*male. They're porn-industry terms used to fetishize trans bodies, which isn't okay. I much prefer to just say 'trans woman' and 'trans man'. If someone's character doesn't identify as trans but still has that body configuration, I'm likely to just use 'male' or 'female' depending on how the character identifies.

Thanks!

Sure thing. Your friend deserves support and care.

Thanks!

I bind myself so I do know a bit!

The best brand for the price is, to me, Underworks. If you're relatively small-chested and thin, I like their Tri-Top Chest Binder. If you're on the heavier side and/or have large breasts, the Ultimate Chest Binder Tank is my favorite. Some people recommend doubling over a tank-style binder; I wouldn't recommend it with the Underworks model, as I tried and a) got less of a good bound look than just wearing it normally and b) ended up with bruising along my sternum. You can find Underworks' various binder models under the MEN category, and then in the Compression Shirts subcategory.

I also, myself, have a pair of Tri-Top binders in size L (I think, might be XL). They are a bit worn, but still perfectly serviceable. I'd be delighted to let them go for the cost of shipping, if Underworks' store prices are a bit too much for your wallet and that's a size that would fit you. They're great starting binders, they just don't work very well for the size of my chest (quite large), especially compared to the Ultimate Tank.

Binding definitely helps me feel better (and it makes my clothes fit better, too!). I don't recommend binding every day, especially if you have large breasts (I tend to start bruising on the third day). Also, make sure you get the right size for yourself, as a too-tight binder can restrict your breathing in a nasty way. And never, EVER bind with Ace bandages - besides being nearly impossible to get a good-looking bind with, they also are designed to tighten more and more the longer they're worn, and this can result in severe breathing issues, bruising, or even fractured ribs. Just don't, haha.

Also, it's worth noting that dysphoria comes in varying levels of severity. It doesn't have to feel like the end of the world for it to be dysphoria; while that's certainly the case for some people, for others it's just 'I'm uncomfortable with how I look' in terms of gender markers. (There's also non-trans-related dysphoria, when a person is unhappy with their body despite being cis or whatever.)