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Original poster

DC thinks they're being controlled WTF

162 replies

frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 16:29

Hi,
My DC who is 13 is under the impression they are being controlled by an entity inside their mind. They have not disclosed the name of this entity but lives in fear of it and says things like...

  • 'I can't do this or [the entity] will hurt me.'
  • 'I'm not safe around [the entity]'
  • 'Please help me, I'm in danger because of [the entity]
They also cycle through processes of loving and hating this entity. It all seemed to begin happening around their 13th birthday last year - they now spends huge amounts of time talking to themself (or the entity). I think this entity is like an abusive partner/something abusive; they can't remove themselves from it but has been very, very since it came into the picture. We've tried all kinds of therapy, nothing works, they don't try, refuses medication, I'm really not too sure what I'm supposed to do now. I've been worrying it could be schizophrenia or something worse and keeping myself up at night because of it but I'm just terrified to face that reality... I sometimes think I'm unreasonable for thinking that way/ Looking for advice/hand holds and also WTF!!!
OP posts:
KezzaMucklowe · 31/03/2025 16:42

I think this is a bit beyond MN tbh.
I will echo other posters and suggest an emergency appointment with a gp if you haven't had one already.
Obviously you'll get a hand hold and support but you definitely need expert advice.

Original poster
frustratedgirlmum · 31/03/2025 16:41

@MJSavesTheDay She hasn’t because we check everything and she doesn’t usually go out anyway.
@loropianalover It stops them from doing most things it doesn’t approve of, at least that’s what I’m thinking. They eat ok and exercise probably on the lower side but internet access is very heavily monitored.

OP posts:
MJSavesTheDay · 31/03/2025 16:41

Have they experienced a lot of trauma?

maw1681 · 31/03/2025 16:40

They need to see a psychiatrist, they can’t just refuse medication if they need it, they’re 13! It does sound like it could be schizophrenia so really does need to be diagnosed and treated properly

MJSavesTheDay · 31/03/2025 16:39

Is there a possibility your 13 yr old has been using any substances? Cannabis?

HippyKayYay · 31/03/2025 16:39

What has the psychiatrist said? If they haven’t seen one, they need to.

What a bunch of unqualified randoms on mumsnet think really isn’t relevant here

MJSavesTheDay · 31/03/2025 16:37

Where did you source the therapy? They really need to see a qualified Psychiatrist and a qualified Psychologist. It sounds like an early intervention plan is needed, which is usually aimed at adults with similar difficulties and offered via an 'early intervention' service, but for children would be sourced via CAMHS and should include family therapy.

Who provided the therapy?

This is a v serious matter and needs addressing asap.

ItsCalledAConversation · 31/03/2025 16:35

Any good counsellor/therapist should have picked up these signals and signposted your DC on for psychiatric assessment. The fact this clearly didn’t happen in the therapy you said you’ve tried, makes me wonder about the nature/quality of it.

Failing that you need to go to your GP about this asap.

Octavia64 · 31/03/2025 16:34

You need specialist medical support.

this is not a therapy issue this is a GP/psychiatrist issue.

if they have not seen a GP get them to one asap.

Nn9011 · 31/03/2025 16:33

I would be very concerned about this, I agree there's a risk of schizophrenia. Have you taken them to the GP?

Bodonka · 31/03/2025 16:32

I’m so sorry OP - it’s hard. My dad has similar (though it’s from time to time, not constant). I’m assuming you’ve seen lots of medical professionals? Are they giving you much advice? I’d maybe look at seeing if there are any support groups to join - online or in person if you can x

loropianalover · 31/03/2025 16:32

What types of therapy have you tried? What does their GP say? What does the school say - can they do their school work, do they socialise with other children?

Does the voice stop them from doing things they don’t want to do (school, appointments, leaving the house) or does it stop them from doing things they like/want? What is child’s day to day routine, do they exercise, eat healthy etc? What sort of internet access do they have?

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