TW: DD 16 overdose - what to do now?

[askingforthoughts123]

I have known for a while that my daughter was not thriving but she seemed to be trying to do different things to move forward. Last week she took a small overdose, told me immediately and on the advice of 111 we went to A&E. She was assessed and released with a CAMHS referral. She wants to go back to school as normal but I’ve said I want a meeting before she goes back in. She also revealed she’s self harmed in the past. I’m so worried about what comes next? I was wondering if anyone had any experience?

It's very good she told you straight away and very good she's talking to you. I would let her go back to school as normal and keep everything as calm as possible. Do let school know what is happening. Give them a ring on Monday take it from there. They'll have pastoral support available to her, possibly a counsellor while she's waiting for her appointment. I hope she finds some help through CAMHS.

In the meantime, keep talking to her calmly and without judgement or blame. Have you been advised to lock away medication and sharps?

Going back to school and routine seems wise. My don’t took several overdoses aged 15/16. They were big ones though so he had hospital stays. He had school based anxiety though and was not attending. I think school would have helped as a distraction but we couldn’t get him to go. The days are long at home with the internet to search…

What triggered it? Is she being bullied online or at school? Harassed by a boy? Watching weird stuff on social media? Fallen out with friends?

You can contact Young Minds, they have a good helpline and are a charity for mental health for young people.

Thank you.

Yes, we were advised that re: medication and sharps. She sews though and has scissors in pretty much every bag, nook and cranny. She hasn’t done this for a while but I think we’ve done our best here - I’ve taken 7 pairs.

We went for a drive and all should would add is that she’s worried about her exams. I’m going to try and talk again about her phone and re check in with what’s she watching on social media.

Young Minds is a great idea. I feel so helpless and as though I have let her down.

https://www.thecalmzone.net/suicide-prevention-helpline

https://giveusashout.org

Thank you!