Family Emergency

[Pustulio]

My sister (14) is an emo. Tonight she cut herself in front of my other sister (9), her friends and myself. I am really worried. I don't know where else to go, please give me advice on how to handle this situation. I'm really scared for her.

 

[Crimson King]

Which way did she cut her wrists? This is quite crucial. If she went horizontal (Thumb to pinky or pinky to thumb) then it was just a cry for help. If she tried vertical along the artery it was a serious attempt and you should call the cops now.

Regardless, she's not "emo" she's depressed. BIG difference. Get help now.

 

[Pustulio]

Well it wasn't her wrists, it was on her calf. Vertically.

She has a brain disorder where a certain chemical isn't released enough so sometimes emotions are exaggerated. That's why I describe it as emo.

 

[Silent_Jester]

Remember kids cut across the street, not down the lane.

Its ok, my friend of mine was like that a couple months ago. A few life changing experiences later, and were closer and working together to live in this cold world.

 

[Zink]

Does she have any meds for that?
bit confused about the calves thing. I'm not toally sure about the vein layout there, but I THINK it might be more damaging to cut across on the legs. Does anyone else know? Anyone in authority, I mean?

 

[Pustulio]

Well she has meds. but they haven't been working, we trying to get her to a counselor.

 

[Aruun]

Well it wasn't her wrists, it was on her calf. Vertically.

She has a brain disorder where a certain chemical isn't released enough so sometimes emotions are exaggerated. That's why I describe it as emo.

It's called bipolar, honey. Or manic depressive. Whichever you like.

Your sister is not emo, and I would highly suggest not using that term. Emo is a fashion trend, and a bit of a social joke, not a serious mental condition.

Your parents should be looking into getting her help. Psychiatrists, councilors, etc, can all be really beneficial to people who have bipolar. While I'm usually against the excessive usage of drugs in america, for someone with bipolar, it might be a good idea.

 

[estion11]

are your parents aware of this. Also did she cut it deep/with determination... did it seem like she was really trying to kill herself, but even if she wasnt really trying to kill herself showing a disregard to your welfare like that to me seems like the situation could evovle into actual suicide attempts if not payed attention to. However, the fact that she did it in front of an audience strongly suggests she needs your attention and caring for her and was not really trying to harm herself in a fatal manner. On an optimistic note many people cut themselves as a method of release from anxieties and since she cut her calf this conclusion seems more likely.

....i hope your situation works out for the better.

 

[Pustulio]

Yes my parents know. We are trying to get a counselor once again.

The doctor did not diagnose it as bipolar, it was another similar disorder of which I do not recall the name of.

Oh and I will discontinue use of the word "emo" as suggested.

 

[Tryptomine]

The doctor did not diagnose it as bipolar, it was another similar disorder of which I do not recall the name of.

Only other thing I can think of that'd apply is Clinical Depression.

(Also, your location description is a bit more morbid now.)

 

[Crimson King]

Does she have any meds for that?
bit confused about the calves thing. I'm not toally sure about the vein layout there, but I THINK it might be more damaging to cut across on the legs. Does anyone else know? Anyone in authority, I mean?

Nope, it does nothing. The calves are mostly muscles and fat. If she aims for the Achilles Tendon she'll be unable to walk. That's pretty messed up regardless.

 

[AltF4]

I don't think my first reaction would have been to post this on the smashboards. You're guaranteed to get someone who will say something that sounds insensitive, but is really just trying to get a reaction from people.

How about: "Picture or it didn't happen." There, I got it out.

But seriously, keep an eye out, you know. If she really does have an actual illness, then just try to be as aware as you can. Hope she gets / feels better.

 

[fluffy]

she's just hardcore

 

[GoldShadow]

Take her to a psychiatrist; medications do help with this. Couple this with having her see a therapist or counselor, but most importantly, provide support at home.

 

[Pustulio]

Thanks for all the help guys oh and that whole Clinical Depression thing, that's what the diagnosis was, thanks for jogging my memory.

The reason I posted this here is that I don't really have someone I can talk to about this stuff so forum buddies are really the best people I can talk to.

 

[GoldShadow]

The doctor did not diagnose it as bipolar, it was another similar disorder of which I do not recall the name of.

Was it Major Depressive Disorder? edit: I'm guessing that yes it was, based on your previous reply

Does she have any meds for that?
bit confused about the calves thing. I'm not toally sure about the vein layout there, but I THINK it might be more damaging to cut across on the legs. Does anyone else know? Anyone in authority, I mean?

Nope, it does nothing. The calves are mostly muscles and fat. If she aims for the Achilles Tendon she'll be unable to walk. That's pretty messed up regardless.

Veins are not the issue in the context of blood loss, arteries are. That said, CK is right pretty much; if she cut deep enough, it could damage the achilles tendon. The closest major artery in the calf I believe is the posterior tibial artery, which is pretty deep in the calf.

 

[Xsyven]

The fact that she did it in front of a lot of people makes me think that it was more of a cry for attention, rather than depression. =/

I couldn't tell ya.

 

[Pustulio]

Well she has cut before but, this time I witnessed it so I have become really really worried.

 

[Pit 42]

If you don't mind, talk with her. Ask her why she did it and what you can do to help her if she's struggling with something.

If that fails, seek help from a professional.

 

[Mediocre]

If you don't mind, talk with her. Ask her why she did it and what you can do to help her if she's struggling with something.

If that fails, seek help from a professional.

No.

Talk to her right away, and seek a professional right away.

This was obviously just a cry for help. You ought to do everything in your power to stop i from becoming anything more, and you ought to do it as soon as possible.

 

[Jammer]

Well, I think the first thing you guys should do is move out of Evanston, Wyoming into a city like New York, which has a low suicide rate.

Okay, that was a bit crude. Sorry.

To tell you the truth, pretty much the same exact thing happened to my sister. I know pretty well what's going on with her and you and your family.

My family has a history of mental illness. Bipolar, depression, you name it. I personally have mild recurring depression and ADD.

Of course, there's not much we at Smashboards can do besides just give you moral support. I doubt any of us are trained psychologists, and even if we were, it wouldn't be ethical to give advice, since we don't really know you or your sister.

I guess I'll tell you something that might make you feel better: My sister, who attempted suicide and ran away and took drugs, is probably now the nicest, most responsible and caring person I know. She recently had a small relapse, but now she's back on top of everything, and she's doing great.

Things can get better. I hope they will.

I guess, Pustulio, that I would be the ideal person to talk to about this, since I've been through all of it before (or, more accurately, my sister has been through it). Since this kind of thing can get pretty sensitive, I suggest you PM with anything you want to talk about.

 

[1337ZSS]

It's not emo. I can think of like 10 reasons why. But like Crimson said, it's depression, since depression comes from the chemicals in the brain and all. Hope she feels better though

 

[notftomearth7]

Sorry about that Pustulio, It's okay, once they get a therapist to help her express her feelings, then the worst will be behind you.

 

[FireWater]

I see a lot of answers that are pretty good, let me give you my take though (I'm actually going studying to become an LPC).

First it is kind of important to determine why she did what she did. Was she trying to kill herself? Or since she did it in front of your little sister, she maybe looking for attention.

If she did indeed try to commit suicide, she would need to be transported to the emergency room, where after she was stable she would be screened by PESS (Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services) The screener would then determine if she was a danger to herself or others, and may admit her to a psych ward for observation. I'm praying that was not the case.

If it was the second option, depending on the severity of the cut and if you/your parents judgment felt that she needed to go to the emergency room or not.

If not, I would definately recommend a therapist. The term is not Clinical Depression, but could be one of two things: Major Depressive Disorder, or Dysthymia. Dysthymia has a less severe criterion than MDD, but if I had to diagnose given the information I would probably diagnose MDD. The therapist should try to determine the root cause of it, and if possible, your doctor should try to find any biological etiologies, or origins. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder should be ruled out as sometimes those disorders can be confused with one another. Although given what you said I'm pretty sure its not PTSD.

Therapy combined with some anti-depressants should work nicely. Also, exercise can sometimes be a replacement for the anti-depressants.

Here is the kicker. If she is taking anti-depressants, and it actually ENHANCES a suicidal ideation, then you need to contact your doctor IMMEDIATELY. Anti-depressants should REALLY only be used when the person is going to therapy. Anti-depressants without therapy can actually lead to suicide.

Here is why: When a person with Bipolar or MDD, they go through peaks and valleys. When a person is severely depressed, they really do not have the energy but still have a negatie cognitive mindset, that could be suicidal. Since they do not have energy, they will most likely NOT kill themselves. Medication would increase the energy level, but not get rid of the negative cognitive thoughts. Thats why the individual NEEDS therapy atleast for the first 6 months. Therapy helps the client deal with any negative thoughts as well as keeps another eye out for behavior or attitude that may constitute a suicidal threat.

Thats the information I have for you, I wish you the best of luck and I hope your sister can get through this.

 

[Pustulio]

I think it's MDD like you said.

 

[Hiemie]

I think it's because she's related to you.

On a serious note: Please, do get her to see a shrink, even if it is a cry for help, or a potential suicide attempt. There could be a potential problem here.

 

[Eight Sage]

You always have to tell that kind of things to your parents. They'll know what to do, and you'll feel calm.