Just after any advice on what I can do to help and any good resources/information I can pass onto my Dad. My 14 year old sister has been cutting herself for a few months. She was found out as she was posting things to snapchat and a concerned friend spoke up. They called the ambulance on her the other day and so now she is in the hospital system. I live on the opposite side of the country and don't get to see her very often and she has never been one to chat on the phone/skype etc. Feeling like a helpless big sister as I wish I could do more. She will be coming to visit in January and I plan on having a good chat with her. I know it stems from issues with her Mum and these are things out of her control and I doubt will change and possibly other things too. She is a highly intelligent girl, doesn't like to mix with "wrong crowds" as she worries it will affect her future prospects. Any help would be much appreciated. TIA
3 Replies
Make sure your dad plugs her in to ongoing psychological/psychiatric services. If the hospital doesn't automatically refer her, sometimes they do, but sometimes they tell you to get a referral through GP. Make sure he follows up on that. There is lots help to cover psych services through the Medicare system, with a mental health care plan. So there is no reason not to continue with follow up treatment.
Sadly lots of teens don't get follow up because there parents think the hospital has 'fixed them' or the parents just don't make it happen.
What a loving sister you are
10 free psychologist apps per year
Talk to gp about a referral
I have a good friend that's a cutter
And will continue for ever probably
It's the way they cope with stress
It's the only thing they think they can control
Just be there for her
Wow, what great friends she has! Not many would do such a thing these days for fear of repercussions.
I used to be that girl, that cutter. I suffered from depression for my entire high school life but was very private about my self harm. Wore jumpers in winter kind of thing. I cut, burnt, scratched and harmed from the age of 13, on and off until I was 18.
I doubt it will be much help, but my Mum had me seeing a psychologist for a few months. I personally didnt find that it helped, it was something I had to overcome myself, in my own time. I didnt really feel like she was listening. She was like a broken record really, but I know some overcome it with the very same help. Just be there to support her if and when she needs it. Let her know you're there, even if, like me, she is too ashamed to actually talk about it. Good luck x