Please help with 15 yr old self harm and anxiety attacks

[Superduperdoo]

I really don't know what to do about my Son. Yesterday i had to pick him up from school at lunch time because he had an anxiety attack and had scratched his arms to shreds. He'd done the same the day before in an exam but not to the same extent. He said the day before was because he didn't know the answers to the questions and panicked that he'd fail. Yesterdays was because he was in drama and they had to do an exercise using only eye contact and he freaked out.

I took him to the Dr's and they weren't very helpful to be honest. He just gave a suggesstion for a book to read and that was that. I went to the chemist and bought something like kalms but suitable for children 12+. We spoke and he said he was worried about it happening again but he'd calmed down and was fine this morning when he went to school.

He came home from school today to tell me he'd done it again. Then he got angry at his 6yr old brother and threw his toy out of the front door then smashed up my sunglasses when i told him off. He did calm down and say sorry after a while. I was supposed to be going out but am scared to leave him.

He's gone upstairs and i've just had a look at his facebook. There were loads of messages to and from friends these last few days. He told loads of people about it and quite a few have said he was faking it. He also put a status up saying about the anxiety attack but also the fact he's on medication. He's also said that he's been hearing voices again he hasn't told me this and people are disbelieving him. I deleted the status because i don't think it's the right place.

I just don't know what to do. He had an attack like this a few months ago when i'd taken something precious off him for punching his brother. He was pacing around the house saying "she's taken it she's going to burn it" and i couldn't talk sense into him at all. It took ages before he calmed down but then it hasn't happened again until now.

[CloudRazor]

Okay first - teenagers are hormone machines, and your sons behaviour will be affected by this a lot. However, the issues involving self harm and anxiety need to be tackled before they escalate. Make sure you let him know that you are on his side - that you love him no matter what and want to help as much as you can. Suggest that he has some conselling if he feels he cannot talk to you about certain things. I suffered badly with anxiety as a teenager and the most important thing was knowing my parents were there for me. It seems silly but as a teenager (as you probably know) it often feels like the whole world is against you. If you go to your gp they should refer you to CAMHS ( child and adult mental health service). They will be able to provide conselling and possibly medication, plus advice for you and the rest of your family.
I hope I've helped! Just remember that things will get better and you are not alone

[Brightspark1]

I really feel for all of you, your son is obviously under huge stress with exams, your 6 year old must be pretty bewildered and you Must feel like life is on a knife edge. My DD is 15 and had up until 2 months ago been seriously self harming, her arms are now badly scarred. She has had a terrible time and has frequently acted out by being physically violent. She is having help from CAMHS and is tentatively and slowly (fingers crossed) making small steps towards recovery. There have been several points where she talked of hearing voices and pacing around, I was scared that this meant she was psychotic, but her psychiatric nurse felt that this was unlikely. Instead she suggested that she found it so hard to articulate her emotions, especially negative ones, that the only way she could express herself was by hearing her thoughts as a 'voice'. It sounds like your DS is desperate for support and help, but asking the wrong people ie other hormonal teens who are probably scared and confused about his actions. DD also did this, and was seen to be attention seeking, and ended up alienating herself from her friends . If your GP's no use you can get a referral from the school nurse, it sounds as though you need it.
My heart goes out to you, dealing with SH and anxiety takes an awful toll on you, make sure you look after yourself too

[Superduperdoo]

Thank you so much for your replies. He's gone to school today because he has an appointment with the counceller he wanted to keep. I'm going to ring the school later and try and get an appointment and take him back to a different Dr Monday.