DD has been SH for about 3 years. She's 13, nearly 14. We don't know why - she goes from being bright and breezy to typical teen moodiness, nothing major and very soon perks up again, but displays no other worrying behaviour. Certainly doesn't present as being deeply troubled - but I guess she is.
She's seen CAMHS who said nothing to worry about and discharged her. She has spent 3 years in counselling but nothing has 'fixed' her. Her counsellor said she considered her last episode (a couple of months ago) a wake up call for her, and that she had turned a corner and would be unlikely to cut again. She cut last night.
She tells different people different reasons for doing it, saying last night's was because she's addicted. It seems she is bright enough to tell everyone what they want to hear. When she see's a doctor,she turns it right up, mentioning panic attacks, voices, anorexia, wanting to harm people etc. Without wishing to sound harsh and heartless, and the fact she has mentioned none of these to me (we have a great and open relationship, and she's most definitely not got any eating disorder, for example) I'm inclined to think she is pushing for yet more input from a mental health point of view. To what conclusion, I cannot tell. It all seems very complicated in teen land.
She has even mentioned wanting to go into a hospital. She seems to think this might be glamorous and give her a different and 'dangerous' reputation. She learns about symptoms and presents them to the doctor.
We've now moved to a different country, and after last night's event I've got to start searching for help for her yet again.
DH isn't particularly helpful, and thinks she's just doing it for attention seeking. He also objects strongly to having to pay out for yet more counselling. I can't earn here, so we are reliant on his salary for everything.
What steps should I take now? DD's current 'thing' is that she wants "medication for her anxiety". Is this possible at such a young age? Is it even a good idea? I was on Prozac when I had PND and hated it - did no good and was hell to come off. And if she is prescribed something, would it actually help someone who seems to cut quite randomly and for what appears to be no reason? I understand she will be anxious at starting a new school, but I'm finding it all very hard to get my head around. Is there such a thing as a proper 'happy pill' rather than SSRIs? I'll be taking her to the doctor this week and want to be up to speed on what's what.
I feel so out of my depth with all this and would be massively grateful for any advice on how to help my darling girl. We can't go on like this, the strain on all of us is awful.