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I am not sure if this is classical self abuse. But it is puzzling and unnerving. I, of course plan on telling her therapist, but like additional input. When my daughter is under stress, or extremely angry, she will give herself a bruise or scratch, for sympathy/attention. She did not do this for a long time.Mostly at the start of school last year, before they gave her the aide she needed. She did do it at home this week. When she showed me, we talked about the fact that I knew it was self-inflicted. We treated it. I have talked to her about caring for herself first, and the most. She seems embarrassed by her bruise now. what else should I be doing? She is 9.
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While I have never dealt with this with my son, it's common at work (I work with the developmentally disabled). Sounds like you handled it well. Handle the underlying issues and you handle the self abuse. In the dd population it's often attention seeking, so we tend to assure safety with as little attention drawn to the abuse as possible. Sometimes it is also sensation seeking. The person craves sensory input and can recieve this through self abuse. Again don't give too much attention to the abuse, in stead find another appropriate means for the stimulation.
Running it by your therapist is a great idea. It may take a little detective work to determine why she is doing it. Then just use creativity to address that need in a more healthy manner.
Keep us posted on what the therapist recommends and what works/doesn't work.
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Thanks, I suspected it was both of the reasons you mentioned. She is a little drama queen. She was embarrassed to tell the dr. But we did. he also did not seem to be to concerned. Because she is aware enough to know it is wrong, or inappropriate, and wanted the bruise to go away. Also because it is infrequent, and she more often chooses a better way to express her feelings.