My DD15 may be cutting herself

[frannn]

She admitted to doing this once, but other DD11 says she may have done it again. My ex and I have already gotten her a counselor, which both DDs see alternately every other week. There are no apparent scars, but her closest friend has tried suicide twice, and one of her friends cuts herself. I tell her how much I love her a lot, and she is overall a good kid. She doesn't do wonderfully in school, but she puts in the effort when needed. She feels a lot of pressure from me and her stepfather, but I have to raise her to be responsible. She only has a few chores, and I'm very overprotective. Her dad is a bit unbalanced, so he drives her nuts. Other than that, her life is typical. I don't want to accuse her of anything. We recently watched the movie 13, so I may tell her I want to talk to her about the movie. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[Trinity721]

I interned at our county's adolescent behavioral services, and one of the patients was a cutter about the same age... I won't get into details, but as far as we knew, she led a perfectly normal teenage life, her parents were attentive and loving, not to mention well-to-do so she never wanted for anything. but sometimes, these teenagers feel an "emptiness" that they need to fill and find a temporary way to fill that by cutting... By what you have said about her friends doing it, she may just be following along or exploring because of curiosity. But having a close friend who's tried suicide twice can have a significant affect on someone that young, who's just starting to become more aware of their inner self and the world around them... it must be scary to say the least. I think you are choosing the right path by having her see a counselor, and by keeping the lines of communication open with her.

I am by no means an expert on any of these things... But I hope that things work out ok, and I hope that she is doing ok

 

[ducklite]

Cutters are not always suicide risks, although they are almost always depressed, and depression makes them a much higer risk They cut to release inner pain. She should probably see more than a counselor. A through workup with a psychiatrist who treats adolescents is critical at this point. Cutters don't "just stop". Almost always an anti-depressent is prescribed, sometimes antipsychotrophics are needed as well, as many cutters also suffer from schizophrenia (voices telling them to cut).

If indeed she is a cutter, she should be in weekly therapy sessions--one with a therapist who has experience working with this condition, the other in group therapy with other adolescents--best if there are other cutters in the group.

Good luck.

Anne

 

[UKANGEL]

Can I just sympathise and wish you both well? My DD is also a 'cutter' and has tried suicide twice in the past (both deemed 'cries for help' as I was in the house)....these were when she was only 14.

She refused counselling but with the hlp and support of our Doctor and family is slowly getting better. She has been taking anti-depressants for over a year and has cut down her dose now to almost nothing.

She still has bad days and I know she still is prone to cutting when she is frustrated and angry with life. We too watched '13' last week and talked over a lot of the issues raised.

I have no great wisdom in this just wanted to say you're not alone and keep loving her and talking to her.

good luck
x

 

[grinningghost]

My stepson went through a cutting phase when he was a young teen. He lived with his mom and let's just say, his life was not exactly normal. DH tried to get custody, to no avail - the courts here want kids with their biological mother, no matter what circumstances are.

He went through counseling and thankfully, stopped cutting. I give you lots of hugs because it's a very frustrating situation to be in.

My question, do you remember "cutters" when you were young? I honestly don't.