DD (13) is depressed and cutting herself

[Gatekeeper]

I am so distraught at seeing her weeping with despair and going to cut herself (blade of nail scissors). She can't say why she is feeling like this

School have been great and she is seeing a counsellor weekly; I alos took her to see GP and she has been referred to CAHMS

what else can I do? She is a square peg in a round hole at school and feels isolated at times- no social life at all

My darling girl ...she is bright, clever, funny and beautiful yet she sees nothing of this

Feel for you, my 17y old DS the same- my youngest of four children. Have blamed myself and circumstances but I know its just something that can happen to any of our teens unfortunately.... Under Mental Health Team...a long road, he is sad and lonely, not at college....patience and kindness, listening , reassurance that they are loved.....and just hope for the 'light: and that this phase will end....x

From personal experience with my DD CAMHS are wonderful. Keep loving, reassuring, hugging, talking, take each day as it comes and there is light at the end of the dark tunnel, believe me.

My experience with CAMHS is the total opposite. The most unhelpful people going and just trying to get to speak to your therapist is impossible, the receptionists are rude unhelpful and just plain inefficient.

I hope your experience is not like ours. My DD now 15 won't go back

Can you move schools? I was that teen and I would have loved that

the school is great; I think she would have problems with friends whatever school she is in to be honest. Although I love her dearly she can be prickly and doesn't put any effort into cultivating friendships- she was the same in primary school

Could you offer her other ways to 'release' without cutting?? I've heard of using elastic bands to ping on the wrist, and using nettles to get the pain but with no damage. Poor girl. Poor you, too. Xx

As a former self-harmer I'm sending your DD hugs through the internet. YY to other ways of releasing without cutting. The elastic bands, holding an ice cube, channelling frustrations into sports... does she like any sports at all? Could she take up some kind of martial art like Taekwondo? Not only is it great fun and would help make some friends, but also when you're unhappy with the world giving a bag a good old punching/kicking does wonders.

we've got her a punch bag in the garage and I've found a good and twangy elastic band; my sister used to use that when she was experiencing panic attacks after her divorce. It seemed to help shift her focus . She has talked today about learning the guitar (electric) so we have found somewhere she can go for lessons. She already writes songs so a good outlet for her (hopefully)

thank you everyone

Goodness, so sorry for you all. I cut myself too at school as I just didn't feel I belonged. However, once I moved on I was fine & didn't feel the need anymore. I have no advice but want to hope that it gets better. Sorry, not much help but didn't want to not reply.