attempted suicide

[ETHANSMOMMA]

My 14 year old neice (whom i adore) has attempted suicide 3 times in the last 6 months (taking pills). she is also cutting herself regularly, in and out of hospitals, and now can not return to school this year. I feel completely helpless. she lives with her grandmother b/c her mom couldn't handle her (another issue) and her dad is not much in the picture. they live an hour away. i keep sending her messages and emails, but i just feel like there is more i should be doing. does anyone have any suggestions or advice? i also have to mention that i have NO idea what to do with teenage girls...they terrify me...(just kidding...sort of)

 

[ashmarie06]

My FSIL lost her battle and committed suicide a little over a year ago. Your niece needs all the help she can get. We thought at first Maddie was doing it for attention, but she wasn't. Look into everything you can, inpatient psych centers, long term children's hospitals, anything. Money should never be an issue. Maddie made it known that she would find a way to do it, and she did. She also tried to overdose, we saw that as a cry for help. But she eventually chose a method that was a lot more final. Please please please get help. The American Foundation for Sucide Prevention has GREAT resources.

 

[ETHANSMOMMA]

My FSIL lost her battle and committed suicide a little over a year ago. Your niece needs all the help she can get. We thought at first Maddie was doing it for attention, but she wasn't. Look into everything you can, inpatient psych centers, long term children's hospitals, anything. Money should never be an issue. Maddie made it known that she would find a way to do it, and she did. She also tried to overdose, we saw that as a cry for help. But she eventually chose a method that was a lot more final. Please please please get help. The American Foundation for Sucide Prevention has GREAT resources.

thank you, she has been admitted to childrens in her area, but they just sent her home this week. i'm worried they are not taking this seriously. just feel so helpless. i will for sure check out the sp website.

 

[quasar4legs]

I am so sad to hear this about your young niece, it certainly sounds like she needs some very good ongoing mental health care.

Is she getting ongoing help and counselling? I would would think that perhaps she needs to in an inpatient facility.

Ashmarie gave a great resource, hopefully it will give you some information and empower you with the knowledge you need going forward.

Hugs to you for caring so much about your niece, it sounds like she is in great pain and need.

Thinking of your niece

 

[mommasita]

This must be incredibly tough

You sound so loving and caring, it is heartwarming. Along with the resource and guidance above, let her know you love her and are there for her

 

[ETHANSMOMMA]

thank you all for your kind thoughts. she is getting outpatient but I think she really needs long term at this point. I wish she would come stay with me as I live near Chicago and feel I could possibly get her better care.

again, thank you so much