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Ringo
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since 2003-02-20
Posts 3684
Saluting with misty eyes

0 posted 2005-05-06 09:35 PM




Hey all,
I just found out that my son was cutting a few yhears ago. He says that he has stopped, and I would believe him because I was able to look him in the eyes when he said it. The thing is, that he is in eight kinds of pain, and is refusing to talk to ANYOONE about it, and keeps saying that he'll live...
I also founds out that he has been drunk more than once by the age of 16, and has plans on doing it again.
I've been dealing with teenagers for far too long to believe that he's going to get through all of his things he's dealing with by himself...
How do I get him to the next step in dealing with life before he starts REALLY going over the deep end?

This has actually got me more screwed up than I thought it would, and I am out of ideas. Any help is greatfully appreciated.

They took pictures of our dreams
Ran to hide behind the stairs
And said maybe when it's right for you, they'll fall

© Copyright 2005 Bradly Stott - All Rights Reserved
Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669
Michigan, US
1 posted 2005-05-06 11:06 PM


What would you do if he had appendicitis but refused to see a doctor?
Magnus
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Member Laureate
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135
South Carolina, USA
2 posted 2005-05-09 06:08 PM


I think Ron summed it up quite well....that
was the same direction that I was heading
as well...

Most of us are reluctant to see a "professional"
about problems such as these.  Sometimes we feel
like we have failed if that is what we have
to resort to doing....

Truth is,  there are a lot of really good
people out there that can listen, assess and
be objective...  It is hard for a parent to
be objective...our emotions often interfere.

I know...I have had to walk that road and
there are rewards at the end...but a few
bumps along the way... And, to work properly,
the horse has got to drink the water it was
led to...  Perhaps speaking to someone yourself
might be beneficial BEFORE getting your son
involved.

Good luck...I wish you both the best.

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
3 posted 2005-05-09 07:29 PM


Nothing left to say but that I agree with Ron and Magnus' comment.  Having a child who is bipolar...teaches one a LOT.  While she never resorted to cutting herself [while in my home], I can understand that it can happen to all children who are doubting themselves...

and We, as Parents, feel it is our fault.

Go to the professionals, Sir...and let them help you, AND your precious child.

Always,

Sun

Cloud 9
Senior Member
since 2004-11-05
Posts 980
Ca
4 posted 2005-05-09 07:38 PM


Ringo

Ron said it well but I think I understand were you are coming from. Isn't this the son you hadn't seen in years? Correct me if I am wrong. If so, it would be hard to make him do something he doesn't want to do therefore he walks away from you. Maybe you should suggest to him you 'BOTH' get help. Both get counseling to understand one another. Go through it with him. JMO

I don't have any teenagers, only an 11 yr old, but I was a teenager once and I remember being the rebel. I was the black sheep of the 3 girls. My mom and dad were so involved in thier lives they didn't see what i was going through. That's right, it all works out in the end and he will appreciate you for it, but until then.....! You are a good dad. I don't have the best advice but I can only give you what I've experienced.

Good luck, keep us informed.


Rosieglo16
New Member
since 2005-06-04
Posts 6
NY, USA
5 posted 2005-06-03 10:44 PM


Hello, I happen to be a cutter myself...although it took a while to actually say this out loud...the outside help did really help me.  It's really hard to talk to your parents about somethings so emotional yet severe as this...i know i wanted to in the past when people wanted me to talk, but it just wouldn't happen.  After getting a therapist to show us where we both stand, we started communicating with each other much more.  It became easier and easier to talk to my mother because the therapist cleared a lot of confusion up for both of us.  What i am trying to say is...i agree with the others.  Professional help is the best choice when you feel that there is nothing more you can do for him...

~18 year old insight~

LoveBug
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Moderator
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since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697

6 posted 2005-06-30 10:48 PM


I'm going to have to disagree with the majority, well.. sort of :P I"m also a recovering cutter, and I think that the individual HAS to seek help ON THEIR TERMS. If you make them, they will not be receptive, so it's nothing but a waste of money.

Also, BY NO MEANS FORCE HIM TO STOP!!!! He has decided that the only way he can deal with his problems is to cut himself. Most cutters look at cutting as an alternative to WORSE things. If you do things like hide his tools and do body searches, he'll find something worse to do. I don't mean to scare you, but it's true.


If he's in immediate danger (saying he's going to kill himself right then) then take him to the hospital, but if he's just cutting (I hate to say 'just cutting' but you know what I mean), I fervently believe that he has to realize that he needs help himself before he can seek it and really have it work. Like I said, if you force him to go, he won't listen to the doctors, and it will basically  be a waste of money.

This is a hard situation, as I said, I know firsthand. All you can really do is just let him know you can talk to him, be there for him. ENCOURAGE him to seek help, but don't force it unless he's about to commit suicide. With regards to the drinking, well.. thats a crime. I don't have experience with alcoholism, but thats another big hurdle. If he would ever go on antidepressant medication, he COULD NOT drink. Those meds will NOT work if he drinks, and some will hurt him if he does. I can't really give much advice about the drinking, but about the cutting, I have to say that he has to realize he needs help himself before it will be effective.

That was the case with me and everyone I spoke with, but if your intuition says otherwise, PLEASE don't use me as some final authority. I do have the personal experience but I'm not a doctor or therpist, so yeah  

Best of luck with him. If you ever want to talk to me more about this, feel free to email me!


http://www.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html is an excellent resource for both cutters and loved ones of cutters. Maybe you could show this to him and read the info on there yourself.  

Love's a lovely lad
His bringing up is beauty
Who loves him not is mad
For I must pay him duty
-Anonymous

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