6 year old trying self harming

[Carole1312]

I would like some advise. My 6 (nearly 7) year old son is trying to self harm. He gets knives and tries to cut himself, he was trying to "cut his head off" with a table knife. He is also very violent towards me. I have been to see my doctor who is sending him for counselling (that could take up to 6 months) but here is the big but..... do I give up work??

My son has had issues since being 3 and has already seen a psychiatrist previously. I only work 16 hours a week but it is not always when he is at school and so have to rely on others to put up with this behaviour whilst I am at work and during school holidays. If I give up work to be there for my son would I receive any help with benefits or anything as I "gave up work"?

I cant really concentrate at work for worrying about him and I feel so low, both emotionally and physically and out of my depth myself. Please please help...

[Sarah715]

It's very difficult to say whether you ought to give up work or not, but I am sorry this is happening to you and your son.

Do you have any idea why he began behaving in this manner? Was anything going on which might have kicked it all off?

[starry0ne]

have things got worse...If so I would go back to the GP...How is he at school? Are there options via school

[Carole1312]

Thanks for answering. Nothing started this off at all that I know of. He does not watch anything that would involve this type of behaviour. The teacher at school who is the "SENCO" mentioned that he calls himself an idiot and bangs his head with the heel of his palm. Only mentioned now because apparently it is starting to distress a few people in his class. No other advise has been given. I just don't understand it as he is a happy sociable boy who has lots of friends.

[Sarah715]

Bumping for you - I think you probaby need advice about benefits as well as other things.

I hope someone else is more useful than I can be xx

[Believeitornot]

Who looks after him when you're not there?