Self Harming

Serenity · Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:21 pm Post subject: Self Harming

I don't really know much about this. I've never encountered it so would appreciate anyones knowledge on the subject.

Piggypetal · Posted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 10:53 pm Post subject:

Until this year I never really knew a lot about self harming apart from knowing that some people cut themselves (although there are many forms of SH) to help them cope with issues.

Back in February Amber came home from school and told me she'd been self harming on and off for a few months and she wanted help! She was really scared how we'd react first thing I did was investigate online I'll post some links to some of the better sites yes including the ones that advise on how to SH safely...it isn't something you can just decide to stop doing...we saw our GP who was great she had to wait for counselling in the meantime things got worse for her at school so we made the decision as a family to home educate her...it saved her life I think.

Anyway she was referred to the local CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and apart from a very minor set back 2 weeks ago she'd been SH clear for 3 months and last week was signed off by CAMHS being she's come so far they feel she can deal with her remaining issues without their intervention anymore.

Anyone going through this can PM me anytime I don't mind I know how much it helps to get things off your chest to someone who has an idea of what you're going through.

I will post more as time goes on but thought I'd share a brief account of our experience for now. Anyone with questions just ask I don't mind.

Serenity · Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:38 am Post subject:

Well a big wtg to Amber for telling you, and all our best wishes to her continued recovery

It must have been a terrifying time for you Sarah. Especially when this isn't something that's talked about much or anyone really understands. We can all identify with bullying, but this is a totally different ball game.

I'm glad you found the help you needed and that things are on the up, and I feel bringing this subject to everyones attention is a great thing to do, and hopefully you can help others by sharing your experiences

Piggypetal · Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:10 am Post subject:

Here's a few links for the sites I used early on just to gather as much information as possible really. They cover all aspects of SH

http://www.palace.net/~llama/selfinjury/

http://www.selfharm.org/

^^This site I posted on a few times early on but they were more a support network for Amber and I they have some downlaodable leaflets too

[url]http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+self-harm.htm#What_is_self_harm_
[/url]

[url]
http://www.childline.org.uk/Self-harm.asp[/url]

http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/selfinjury.php

^^ This one covers all sorts of issues not just self harm so maybe be worth a look if you need info on something else.

Selious5 · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 6:59 pm Post subject:

HI Sarah
It is so good to hear that Amber is really responding. It must also have been an anxious time for all the family as well. You must also go through a period of wondering why this is happening in the first place. Glad you go the correct help from those who deal with this and know how to go about it correctly. The only time I have experienced something like this was with a few pupils at the school but fortunately we had a full time nurse everyday attached to the school and as soon as we realised what was happening everything swung into place through her being notified. Unfortunately this seems to be a more prevalent among young people nowadays for a variety of reasons

Piggypetal · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:54 pm Post subject:

Selious5 · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:13 pm Post subject:

It's getting the balance right - isn.t it. On one hand letting her know that she has got control knowing she has the support if she needs time to take the next step and gently encouraging her at times to take that next very small step. You will have been a very good support to her I am sure although I am also sure you will have had your moments to cry out of sight. It's a hard road to follow. You will never forget the journey but one day you and Amber will both be able to look back with an inner peace that the journey has ended

Love and hugs to you both

Piggypetal · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 11:31 am Post subject:

Selious5 · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:10 pm Post subject:

For a long while Sarah you will worry about a downhill slide and you will probably finding yourself watching as unobtrusively as possible every move she makes as well as trying to think of the correct "casual" questions to ask her if she has been out. Again it is the fine balance of trust isn''t it. Too much smothering or questions that may make her imagine that you don't trust her or a inadvertent word from you to someone else when she is present and which she misconstrues . A great strain. It is so good that you have Darren (husband/partner) who understands and helps because and also your friend. This is when you know you have friends - ones who are prepared to give of their time and who genuinely listen. Crying also is a good thing - much better to let it out than keep it in. Although you have your moments you sound a very strong person with a great lot of love

Love - Seli

Thumper · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:57 pm Post subject:

I dont really know much about SH, only what I have seen on TV, But It sounds like you have both dealt with it very well, and your daughter Amber must really trust you to be able to confide in you about it.

Hope you all stay Positive, Big Hugs to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx