12 yo cutting self

[Anonymous]

My DD just went in for her 12 yr visit & the pediatrician talked to her about cutting - did she know what it was, had she thought about it, did she have friends who have tried it, etc. I didn't realize it was a big thing in middle school. My daughter had only heard of it from the news (Demi Lovato), but I really appreciated the candid and frank discussion the pediatrician had with her.

Just wanted to mention it because pediatricians can be a wonderful resource, and a trusted adult for children to talk with - unfortunately it seems that the pediatrician wasn't that helpful for OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just tried it out at that age too. I don't know why I did it, but I do have a history of depression that came about later on. I think it's good that you are taking her to a therapist. Having someone to talk to who won't judge her is a good idea.

Any thoughts about contributing factors to the depression?

[Anonymous]

I am 38 and never heard of anyone cutting when I was young.
I first heard about it maybe in 2008.

[Anonymous]

You might want to take a look at the Cornell research project on Nonsuicidal self-injury: http://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/resources.html

As the parent of a cutter, I'd say that it is important to remain calm. Cutting is a dysfunctional way for kids to deal with overwhelming emotions; overreacting gives cutting more power and allure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD just went in for her 12 yr visit & the pediatrician talked to her about cutting - did she know what it was, had she thought about it, did she have friends who have tried it, etc. I didn't realize it was a big thing in middle school. My daughter had only heard of it from the news (Demi Lovato), but I really appreciated the candid and frank discussion the pediatrician had with her.

Just wanted to mention it because pediatricians can be a wonderful resource, and a trusted adult for children to talk with - unfortunately it seems that the pediatrician wasn't that helpful for OP.

It IS a big thing now. For some it is very bad, and for others it is trying out.

[Anonymous]

Stay calm and take her to a really good therapist. Get recommendations from Children's Hospital or John's Hopkins. Do not interfere with her therapy. You might also consider family therapy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 38 and never heard of anyone cutting when I was young.
I first heard about it maybe in 2008.

It's not new. I'm 35 and knew three cutters in High School. I'm sure there were more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am 38 and never heard of anyone cutting when I was young.
I first heard about it maybe in 2008.

It's not new. I'm 35 and knew three cutters in High School. I'm sure there were more. [/quote

PP here. I didn't know anyone nor did I hear of it. Maybe it was the crowd I hung out with.

[Anonymous]

Any reca for therapists in the bethesda area? My high school daughter has cut herself .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any reca for therapists in the bethesda area? My high school daughter has cut herself .

No sorry. Has she just done it once or more?
My son cut himself. But we are not in DC.

[Anonymous]

She has cut herself on two occasions about 6 months apart. The first time she told us, the second time her older sister noticed it. Still looking for a good therapist in bethesa area.

[Anonymous]

Rathbone and Associates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am 38 and never heard of anyone cutting when I was young.
I first heard about it maybe in 2008.

It's not new. I'm 35 and knew three cutters in High School. I'm sure there were more. [/quote

PP here. I didn't know anyone nor did I hear of it. Maybe it was the crowd I hung out with.

I'm 51 and the same. Never heard of it until recently. I have 12 year old twins (boy/girl) but have not noticed anything with the. I am mindful though because a girl in DDs class was out of school for a while who cut herself. I heard this from another parent and did not want to ask DD because DD liked the girl, not a good friend though . Girl seemed to have emotional issues. I try to stick close to my kids but know things can be missed. They are tech saavier than most parents today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rathbone and Associates.

+1 to Rathbone, they have been wonderful for our kid and several of their friends. Stay miles away from Family Therapy Association (sic) in north Bethesda/Rockville.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She has cut herself on two occasions about 6 months apart. The first time she told us, the second time her older sister noticed it. Still looking for a good therapist in bethesa area.

Did she say why she did it?