serious concerns about my daughter....

[caseysmom]

I am so sorry Carole, unfortunately it is almost "cool" for the kids to cut themselves it seems so it is hard to tell who is saying that to be cool and who is in serious danger. Being a teen is a hard confusing time, your daughter has always reminded my of my youngest who is the easy one for me so I am pretty surprised.

I would set up an appt for some family counseling, it will surely help all of you to at least open the lines of communication.

[Soapets]

I am so sorry to read this news. Start praying immediately that God will keep a protective shield around her, and that He will put the right people in her path, every step of the way, to guide her in the direction He wants her life to go.

Next, I think it is very important that you let her know that you are concerned about her, and that you love her. Let her know you want to be there for her and won't be judgemental. Tell her that you want to help her find someone neutral she can talk to, i.e. a counselor. Also tell her that these kinds of thoughts and feelings are oftentimes associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be helped with medication. Let her know there is help for her, and that if she's afraid, deep down inside, that it is natural to be afraid when these kinds of thoughts and feelings come and seemingly can't be controlled (even if she doesn't want to admit it).

Make an appointment with her doctor and ask her doctor for a referral to a counselor. She may also benefit greatly from antidepressant medication. I should have been on antidepressant medication starting when I was about 10 years old, looking back, but didn't get on them until I was 29. The difference they made was amazing. But counseling is very important, also.

I would also like to suggest the book "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian. There is a workbook to go along with it. It will help YOU, because it will guide you in helping your daughter, through prayer, whether or not she is aware of it and/or wants it.

I hope this helps some. In the meantime, I will keep both you and your daughter in my prayers.

Deb