Self harm

4 replies

MusselMam · 30/01/2023 22:16

My daughter is scratching her arms when stressed and emotional. Says she can't stop herself doing it. Does anybody have any advice or techniques that I can try to help her? What kind of therapy could help this. I don't know what to do.

OP posts:

Zola1 · 30/01/2023 22:21

When you say scratching, is she using her nails or an object? Does she know what sort of way it helps the original feeling for her?
There are lots of different ways to try to find new coping strategies..some people ping an elastic band they wear round their wrist rather than self harm, some hold ice cubes to melt it in their hands, some draw butterflies or lines on their skin with pen. There are lots of different options, have a look on Google.

Original poster

MusselMam · 31/01/2023 15:49

Thanks. There's no explanation. She can't explain what's wrong apart from that she thinks there's something wrong with her mind. She doesn't see the point of life. She's using her nails.

OP posts:

Choconut · 31/01/2023 16:08

I would talk to school, how old is she? they may be able to help with counselling. Also I would speak to the doctor about it.
I would expect there are book aimed at helping children/teenagers to manage difficult emotions, perhaps you could do some googling and see if you can find anything.
Why does she think there's something wrong with her mind? Is she getting intrusive thoughts perhaps? It would be useful for you to understand a little more if possible. I'd also research a little on this and reassure her that she is not alone and try to help her to understand why she is feeling the way she is. Good luck x

conistong · 31/01/2023 20:05

How old is you dd? My ds (when he was 16/17) has only recently stopped self harming through scratching - he has light scars which I hope will fade with time.

Sadly your dd may continue to do so unless she has another outlet/can manage her thoughts - but only a long course of CBT therapy gave my ds ways to manage his emotions.

It's so hard, I understand. Please look at the Young Minds website for ways to support her - there's a lot out there but ultimately you dd needs to have other strategies for dealing with intense emotions/thoughts.

Flip