Should I Seek Mental Health Help for My Self-Harming Daughter?

Q: Should I Seek Mental Health Help for My Self-Harming Daughter?

Hello： A child's self-harm may be related to their internal feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger, with self-injury serving as an outlet for these turbulent emotions. <br>In order for the child to stabilize their emotions, they must feel understood and develop effective meth

When my daughter (currently in her second year of high school) is feeling down, she uses a blade to cut her wrist (the wounds are shallow but there is bleeding). Should I take her to see a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist?

My daughter, who is in the second year of high school, was bullied in middle school and has engaged in self-harm by cutting her wrists with a blade for reasons she couldn't explain.
When I asked her about it, she said her classmates did it and claimed it didn't hurt, so she wanted to see if it was true.
After entering high school, she had a boyfriend for a while, but when he dropped out in her second year, her mood deteriorated, and her academic performance declined significantly.
She often arrives at school very late, and despite repeated advice, she refused to listen.
I started to drive her to and from school (previously, her boyfriend would take her or she would take the bus), but she strongly resented my involvement, feeling that I was taking away her time with him.
Recently, she has started cutting her wrists again and seems indifferent to everything.
There are shallow but bloody scars on her wrists, and just yesterday, she escalated her behavior by carving a letter of her boyfriend's name into her skin.
Should I take her to see a psychiatrist or a mental health specialist, or should I seek a psychologist for counseling? I appreciate your response.
Thank you!

Zuo You Wei Nan De Ma Ma, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/27

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry

Hello: A child's self-harm may be related to their internal feelings of depression, anxiety, and anger, with self-injury serving as an outlet for these turbulent emotions.
In order for the child to stabilize their emotions, they must feel understood and develop effective methods for emotional expression.
Psychiatric treatment and psychological counseling can be beneficial.

Reply Date: 2021/12/27

More Info

It sounds like you are facing a very challenging situation with your daughter, and it's understandable that you are feeling concerned and uncertain about the best course of action. Given the information you've provided, it is crucial to take her self-harming behavior seriously. Self-harm can be a sign of underlying emotional distress, and it is often a coping mechanism for individuals who are struggling with their feelings, especially in adolescents.

Your daughter's history of being bullied in middle school, combined with her recent emotional struggles following her boyfriend's withdrawal from school, suggests that she may be experiencing significant emotional pain. The fact that she has resorted to self-harm, such as cutting her wrists and carving her boyfriend's name into her skin, indicates that she may be in a state of crisis. This behavior is concerning and warrants immediate attention.

In terms of seeking help, it would be advisable to consult with a mental health professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist who specializes in adolescent mental health. A mental health professional can conduct a thorough assessment to understand her emotional state, identify any underlying issues, and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may include therapy, counseling, or, in some cases, medication if deemed necessary.

It is also important to consider the type of therapy that might be most beneficial for her. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often effective for adolescents dealing with self-harm and emotional distress. This type of therapy focuses on identifying negative thought patterns and behaviors and replacing them with healthier coping strategies. Additionally, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another approach that has been shown to be effective for individuals who engage in self-harm, as it emphasizes emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

While it may be tempting to seek help from a general practitioner or pediatrician, a mental health specialist will have the expertise to address the complexities of her situation. If she is resistant to the idea of therapy, you might consider framing it as a way to help her cope with her feelings rather than as a punishment or a sign of weakness. Emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength and a proactive step towards feeling better can sometimes help in reducing resistance.

In addition to professional help, it is essential to maintain open lines of communication with your daughter. Let her know that you are there for her and that she can talk to you about her feelings without judgment. Creating a safe and supportive environment at home can make a significant difference in her willingness to seek help and engage in the healing process.

Lastly, it may also be beneficial for you as a parent to seek support. Parenting a child with mental health challenges can be overwhelming, and having your own support system or counseling can help you navigate this difficult time.

In summary, yes, you should seek mental health help for your daughter. Her self-harming behavior is a serious concern, and professional intervention is necessary to ensure her safety and well-being. By taking this step, you are showing her that her feelings matter and that there is hope for healing and recovery.

Similar Q&A

Navigating My Daughter's Severe Depression and Self-Harm Crisis

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's situation. It's important to seek professional help and support. Please consider reaching out to a mental health professional or crisis intervention service for immediate assistance.

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, As mentioned in your letter, your daughter has a history of depression and her recent emotional state has been unstable, with frequent suicidal preparations and a past of self-harming behavior, placing her in a high-risk situation for suicide. Professional intervention is...

Is My Daughter's Self-Harm Linked to My Depression?

Before I became pregnant with my daughter, I already had symptoms of depression (not triggered by prenatal or postpartum issues). However, I did not seek help from a physician, and these symptoms have not improved. When the stress becomes overwhelming, I tend to cope by engaging ...

Dr. Lin Yanhong reply Psychiatry
Hello: I apologize for the delay in my response due to recent busyness. Your question concerns your young daughter's emotional issues, specifically her self-injurious behavior or more severe self-harming actions, and whether these are related to genetics. Currently, the lite...

Understanding the Struggles of Trauma and Identity in Mental Health

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's really important to talk to someone who can help you, such as a mental health professional.

Dr. Lin Niqi reply Psychiatry
Your letter describes mental distress and self-harming behavior; therefore, it is recommended that you seek treatment from a psychiatrist and consider undergoing psychotherapy.

Understanding Self-Harm: Seeking Help for Emotional Distress

Hello Doctor, I have been feeling very down lately. When I get angry, I tend to scratch my hands, feet, and face with my nails, hit walls, pull my hair, and binge eat. After these actions, I feel terrible about myself. I also struggle with insomnia and often have nightmares. Ever...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello: It is recommended to use a mood thermometer (link below, and there is also an app available for download) to assess your emotional state over the past week. If your score is above 10, it is advisable to seek help. If it exceeds 15, it is definitely time to consult a psychi...