Crazy teenage daughter

[liquidspace]

Help - my 16 year old had a mental 'fit' last night that lasted until 3am. She is in love with a boy and wasnt allowed to phone him because he has stolen from the family, from next door and we have just found out he takes drugs. My daughter went loopy, rocking backwards and forwards on the floor and scratching at her face, screaming at the top of her voice. Her behaviour is beyond 'normal'. The family are at our wit's end and not sure what to do next, she has threatened to kill herself.

[crete]

is she calmer to day ? you have a difficult situation on your hands but you dont need me to tell you that

[atolhurst]

That really doesn't sound quite right but I'm no medical expert. Has she demonstrated any other "abnormal" behaviour?

I wonder if it might be worth having a chat with your GP about the situation; you might find they think that, as a one off, it might not be worth worrying about right now.

Alternatively, they might think a visit to a counsellor would be a good idea and could refer you.

[crete]

does she self harm ?

[liquidspace]

She has cut her arms a while back. She has a psychiatrist app this week but says she doesnt want to see the woman. She hasnt been out of the house for a year, has issues with people seeing her. I think she thinks she is dependent on this boy. She wont listen to us when we say he is no good for her, she is hell bent on seeing him, panics when he doesnt ring her. I just wonder what our next step should be if she freaks out like this again.

[Kaz081992]

Hate to say it, but if he is into drugs.. has he got her into them? It's quite possible, and not at all unusual, if he has got her addicted then maybe the fit she had last night was partly down to withdrawal and being desperate for whatever he may he have got her hooked on. I really really hope that isn't the case, but it's got to be considered.

[liquidspace]

No she hasnt taken drugs - her mental outburst was purely down to her mental state!

[redcrx]

You say she has a psychiatrist appointment this week, he she seen her before? If she has then perhaps a call to the psychiatrist is required.
Self harming, refusing to leave house, dependance on this boy, none of this is any good for her and they may be able to suggest what to do now.

[**Clem**]

I'm no expert on the matter at all but if she did used to self-harm maybe she's transferred her reliance on that onto this boy. I think she may have possibly reacted the same if you had tried to take away anything that she relies on. The problem is made worse by the fact that the boy is trouble.
Definitely talk to your GP and as soon as you can. While we can all support you as friends, only a doctor can give you the physical help your daughter obviously needs.
Good luck. Clem x

[Disco Fever]

Boot camp that's what she needs...

[kind lady]

Whatever she does is outside of your control.

The only thing you can change is your own behaviour - be a little selfish, make demands for yourself, tell her you do not want to witness any more of this bad behaviour and you will have time for her when she behaves herself. Try to take no notice of her nonsense.

Meanwhile try to take care of yourself, learn how to relax and also how to stick up for yourself.

Do not confront your daughter ever but try to make suggestions and guide her in the right direction. Do not put up with anything you are not happy with, do not be walked on or allow yourself to feel used.

You must be tough, she will sink or swim and you can only stand by and hope for the best. - meanwhile concentrate on the rest of your family and yourself.

[horsestache1]

I hate to mention this again, but your daughter could be taking drugs without your knowing, don't dicount this as an option.

[liquidspace]

No she isnt taking drugs. Her boyfriend hasnt been round the house for weeks now and she hasnt been outside for over a year due to her problem with facing people.

Believe me, her behaviour is just her, she used to have these outbursts years and years ago, once I had to trap her in her room while she screamed and banged on the door until she calmed down, took about an hour!

[WendyS]

If you daughter hasn't been outside your house for over a year how has she been having this contact with her boyfriend? Has he been coming to your house?
I think you should insist your daughter sees the psychiatrist. Drag her there if necessary or try to have her sectioned so that she can spend time in a secure unit where she has more regular professional supervision. This sounds like hard treatment, but her behaviour, especially self-harming, suggests that she has gone well beyond the point where you, as a lay person, can treat her without medical intervention..