Mrs

[Sonia1978]

Hi all, I’m new to the site and am hoping someone will be able to offer some guidance. My ex husband passed away in December 2023 leaving behind a son from a previous marriage and our 11 year old daughter. I’ve managed to get her some counselling starting next week, however, I have just taken a look in her diary (I’m not supposed to) and found that the last 2 entries she has written both state that she has taken a knife and wants to cut her wrists or plunge it into her chest. She has also written that she does not think she will be here by the end of the year. On top of losing her dad who she absolutely adored as he did her, she has just started her menstrual cycles (a month before he passed). I can’t tell what is grief and what is hormonal. I am at a complete loss as to what to do? I’m terrified that she will do something when I’m asleep or if I pop to the local shop… when I’m not with her. Has anyone else experienced this and if so did you find something that helped please?

[Puppiesmakemehappy]

Sadly, yes. Almost identical situation.

I had to confront DsD and find out her intentions, make sure I could keep her safe at home, check for injuries, then contacted the GP who got us referred to CAMHS (useless) but in the interim I brought her to a private mental health professional.
I think a huge part of the diary was expressing her emotions and cathartic rather than specifically intentional. She also had just started periods and was basically a confused child.
I was very open at every point.
She seems to have turned a corner though thank God.

[Sonia1978]

Thank you poppiesmakemehappy x

[cordeliachaseatemyhandbag]

Just tell her what you saw. Apologise profusely for breaking her confidence/privacy then ask her more details.

I'd tell the school and try to get her a gp appointment.