Teen dd

[ChocolateAlmondMilk]

My 13 yo dd is currently being seen by camhs, she self harms (until now not really showing any signs of stopping) and we suspect an eating disorder, she has already lost 1 stone in 2 weeks, one of which she had the flu, and she is constantly exercising in her room. Just last week I discovered a set of scales in her room and on Thursday found laxatives with 1 remaining in the pack.

This past week she's had 2 panic attacks which camhs are not aware of. Although she assures me she has not self harmed, tbh I believe her. Camhs are talking about anti-depressants(fluoxetine) which at first dd resented, but now seems more open too.

She has not as far as I'm aware been diagnosed, but apparently camhs usually have a diagnosis on record but are reluctant to share.

Any thoughts or tips on how to help?

Anyone?

Hi, sorry things are hard for your dd. the good news is she is already in the system. Can you request a meeting with her worker to ask your questions? About her diagnosis and how to support her in the home?

Hi chocolatealmondmilk sorry to hear about your dd. I had an eating disorder, self harmed and did all sorts of negative stuff as a teenager (don't do any of that now though).

As far as I'm aware you have a right to know if there is a diagnosis as her parent. I don't know how much things have changed in the last 20 years, but back then my parents were told every little thing.

As silverstars says the good thing is she is in the system. I didn't get into the system until I was on death's door...and the longer you are ill before seeing anyone, the longer it takes to get out of that hole (or so the psychiatrist said).

CAMHS should give you advice. BEAT are good for eating disorder advice and supporting parents...I remember going with my mum to a support group for parents and kids which was actually quite good. I don't know about self harm support as it was a lot less common back then.

I think the most important thing is to be there for your dd, provide that unconditional love that she needs. I found the most helpful people were those that didn't bang on about my issues all the time and treated me, and included me, like everyone else (obviously though, things need addressed...I think my parents just did overkill on it when they found out!). Your DD can get through this and it's great that you want to help