How do you or did you decide it was time for professional help for your teen?

[mamakoukla]

Hi, in a bit of a quandary and the title says it all.

Suspect that due to extended lockdowns, loss of extracurricular activities and no sense of when normality, or a semblance of it, will return have all conspired to a teen who is describing mental pain and has begun to self harm. I’m at a loss. Generally happy still but has always been a bit more prone to highs and lows.

Worried that if we enter a formal process, will DC be able to step away if not finding it beneficial? Can you seek professional help too soon and end up medicalising something that might blow over? On the other hand, it could also get worse.

Thoughts, experiences and guidance gratefully received

If self harming now is definitely not too early.
Contact GP and ask for CAMHS referral. They will get back to you and triage. They are pretty overloaded right now.
If you can pay for a private counsellor you can drop out whenever.
If still school age they may have access to someone too, so try your pastoral care.

Definitely not too early if they are already self harming.
Good luck, I hope you can get them some help soon.

I have just recommended this on another thread, if you use FB there a very helpful private group called Parenting Mental Health.
I have been in your position and it's it's very, very difficult. I'm sorry you're going through it. The FB group has been a lifeline for me, so many parents unfortunately going through the same but a constant source of advice and support.

Thank you so much for the responses. It helps to hear other viewpoints.

Contacted school yesterday and they are moving at lightning speed which perhaps took me by surprise but also reflects how this is viewed and the need to act sooner. We have been offered some different routes - clinical psychologist, social worker or a child and youth worker - and need to understand the pros/cons of each. They are trying to put things in place before summer break starts