Reply to my preteen niece is in a locked psychiatric ward

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][b]OP, I would really talk with the family about the child's wanting to "hide" the disorder.[/b]  While there are real issues about whom and how to tell, it's hard to feel better when one is ashamed to have a disorder.  No one who gets hospitalized for a skull fracture wants to hide it.

In consultation with the family, it can really help for you to convey to the child that you know about the hospitalization and her illness and don't think any differently about her than if she were fighting another chronic illness.  Then show over time thru your behavior that you mean that.  [/quote]

10:09 here; while I agree with the sentiments, I don't think this is helpful or really OP's place. This is the kind of thing that will add pressure and not support at this time.

Its likely the family may come around to this, but I just don't think the week of hospitalization is the time to bring this up. OP's sibling can reinforce that she is a safe place and willing not to push to discuss details but volunteer time with the daughter. I know we chose not to have our daughter be unsupervised in the immediate aftermath - OP can volunteer to come to the house, spend time, watch movies, etc, just generally be a presence. [/quote]

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