My daughter came home from school today and told me that she and another girl cut themselves on the wrist, thumb and leg (just for fun). It wasn't a serious cut, so I don't think they were trying to commit suicide, but I do think it's a cry for help. My daughter is 13 1/2, has been treated for depression for a few years, gets good grades, doesn't get into trouble ( I know cause she doesn't go anywhere but to school), her teachers love her and she has lots of friends. Why would a child want to cause self destruction? This isn't the first time she's done something like this. She's made eraser burns on her hands, sewed her skin with needle and thread, lately she's been starving herself and drinking only energy drinks for lunch. What should I do about these situations. She's been in counseling for about 6 years and its not getting any better. Any suggestions?
2006-09-06 14:24:58 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
My heart goes out to you. The only explanation for a desire to hurt yourself is pain. People who cut themselves are in pain, inside. The pain that they subject their bodies to is to temporarily alleviate that internal pain. It is dangerous, habit forming, and most definitely a cry for help. It may be her depression, it may be a symptom of trauma. Medication for depression does not cure depression, it helps some people some of the time. In terms of these energy drinks, that's dangerous to a young person, too. Love that baby, all the time, cause something inside of her doesn't like her. I think you have to keep a good eye on her, tell her how very concerned this makes you. And maybe switch therapists.
2006-09-06 14:33:07 · answer #1 · answered by steelypen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just ask well do u like the lunch and don't worry b/c maybe counseling isn't helping friends always make u feel happy have a party like a dance party those cheer up tons of ppl trust me let have some freedom but don't worry she is so young and depression i think that she was just sad about something but depressed i think she just needed something more from life like sports and compliments everyday and that make u feel so good just be sure to support her and don't pressure she is a good kid so don't worry . u can also ask the other parent what they think open up to her and talk about embarrassing things that have happened to u and maybe she will start to open and tell u what's go in on exactly good luck and try making her eat just be like u r so skinny child eat something and give her some fatty things like icecream loaded up with stuff and candy she can put in it so that she can get some carbs and cslories and give her milk with it
2006-09-06 14:33:30 · answer #2 · answered by sarah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is a hard question for me because a few years ago i was doing the same thing still to this day i get depressed and feel that there is nothing i can do but hurt myself lucky i got some good friends to talk to. try and talk to her as a friend not a mother give her more attention because it is a cry for help. if things don't work out with you talking to her i am sorry to say but you might have to check her in somewhere to get help it going to be hard and she will be mad but apparently it is getting out of control dont wait too long.
2006-09-06 14:37:51 · answer #3 · answered by cosmocutie03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if she slits her wrist she's obviously a cutter. try to get one of her friends to tell you what's going on. that may not work, because her friend may think that she's being unloyal to your daughter. she may be anerxic and may be facing some side problems she doesn't want you, or anyone to know about. have there been any deaths/divorces within the last 6 years? talk to her counselor about all the things you've noticed with your daughter and get her counselor to trust you with things more.
2006-09-07 11:39:03 · answer #4 · answered by twinklee_x3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are doing the right things. See if you can get family counseling. From my own observation, I notice that the child might respect the parent more than the therapist. You probably need some support and affirmation yourself so you can work with her with the therapist's guidance.
2006-09-06 14:37:27 · answer #5 · answered by Lynda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
shes a cutter, and she tells you about it that's something to think about, if counsellings have not help, get her involved in more activities, get her to join a community club, let her spend more time with friends and let her get to know more people, skipping lunch is the sign of be in attracted to the opposite sex, go to church on Sunday let her mingle with some cute guys things will definitely change its the age for attention and attraction that's need to be taken care of!
2006-09-06 14:37:22 · answer #6 · answered by Adrian S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like she may feel she has no control over her life so by hurting herself she is exerting her control over her body. the body releases endorphins in response to injury and stress if she has been in counseling for 6 years talk to her therapist, maybe it is time for a different therapist
2006-09-06 14:30:25 · answer #7 · answered by rwl_is_taken 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be like that also. Although my parents didn't know I try to hide it away from them. I'm a 14 yr. old girl and it's probably because she doesn't like her life right now. Just give her time. Try not to get mad a lot. PLEASE! That will only make it worse. Just try to spoil her for now then she'll get better and will hopefully stop cutting herself.
2006-09-06 14:29:54 · answer #8 · answered by baby_green92 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh yeah she is a cutter, but YOU need to talk to her. My friend was a cutter but he stopped when he lost most of his friends becasue of it. He saw how it was making his life worse. If she isnt eating she might have a eating disorder which means you might need a nutritionist.
2006-09-06 14:29:36 · answer #9 · answered by Sancho... 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it's somthing that children do that are starving for Love! but you say you have had her seeing a dr for years now, without inprovement. you need to find another Doctor,that she can trust and will be open to let her feeling's known.good luck,dr perkins
2006-09-06 14:30:06 · answer #10 · answered by rpoker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋