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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Don't know what to do

3 replies

Nikkiholden · 28/03/2014 21:48

My daughter is nearly 13 for the past year her behaviour has gone out of control she's stealing she is nasty and now she refuses to eat she's binging on sweets and when she doesn't get her own way she's scratching herself until she bleeds her arms and legs are covered in marks she's even threatening to cut herself with knives waiting for a referral to camhs but I don't think she can wait that long I'm worried in case she hurts herself even more

OP posts:
Guiltypleasures001 · 29/03/2014 20:18

Hi op

If she is in school is there a counsellor on site?
If not ask the gp or you can self refer to the YMCA in your area.
We take on most cases when CAMH say that kids don't meet the criteria.

Google YMCA counselling for your area hopefully she might get in quicker or even in the meantime.

Good luck

Dumplings4ever · 29/03/2014 21:48

Nikki - I have never posted on MN before but I've joined tonight to try and offer you some advice.

FYI your story rings so many bells with me. My DD went "off the rails" aged 15yrs. She is now 17yrs and controls us with regular SH episodes, binge eating/laxatives/vomiting and horrible irrational behaviour.

She is medicate for depression and under the care of CAMHS, she has a counsellor and sees a psychiatrist.

How do we deal with it????? Hour by hour is the honest answer.

Once a child starts showing such behaviour traits it's important to keep a level head and ensure they know that you love them but not their behaviour.

You say that your DD is "threatening to cut herself". Ask yourself "why is she making the threats - why doesn't she just cut herself if that's what she wants??".

We've learnt that the threats are used to control the parents - sometimes it's easy to give in, after all what parent wouldn't if it would prevent a DC from self harming? We used to give in but then realised by doing so DD was refusing to grow up and deal with issues. Maybe we were wrong in refusing to give in, after all she now SHs regularly - and what do we do? The answer may sound awful but we give her antiseptic wipes, sudocrem and try to ensure she has clean blades - we also cuddle and reassure WHEN she lets us. We love her unconditionally but SHing is her way of dealing with issues - it's a release in the same way a smoker smokes or a drinker drinks.

We hope to God that she'll get stronger and come out the other side but, until then we tell her we love her and scrub blood off the bed sheets every few nights. We also take her to CAMHS sessions and ensure she regularry takes her AD meds.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't think that I'm posting this to upset you - I just want to be honest about controlling teenagers and how things can escalate. Your DD is already scratching herself - cutting may become the next step. Oh yes, another thing, don't think that hiding blades will solve the problem - been there, tried it!!! DD will cut with pencil sharpener blades, broken glass even the plastic end of a shoelace if that's all that's available.

My heart goes out to you and your family, I hope things don't escalate BUT, if they do, be prepared for a rocky road and keep posting xx

usMOMMY123 · 01/05/2014 06:52

Hi Dumplings,

Just a note to let you and your family are not alone. Unfortunately these issues have become common. Here are a few tips that help me get through the rocky times. 1) I try to talk adults you trust, about what's going on and get support for yourself. Be greatful for even the tiny win/goal show her how thankful and proud you are of her. If you focus on trying to be greatful you will stay possitive --this is very important for all.

Hope this helps a little... My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Wishing you many miricles.

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