Self-Mutilation/"Cutting"

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by HappyTown

Mom here.

Rhoni I can honestly say I never felt so hopeless in my life, frankly it scared the hell out me, when our daughter confused in us just how depressed she was wanted to die. To hear your child voice such a thing is very frightening overwhelming to say the least, losing em. Yes I knew she was depressed, just didn't realize how deep it went, was lost at what to do, this was out our league.

We tried going holiestic but it didn't work she kept getting darker and more depressed along with anxiety to the point she could not ride the bus to or from school, then came the calls from school she could not handle being there the anxiety was to much to handle along with her depression. At this point we realized we needed outside help to save our daughter she was slipping away in front of us, long gone was the happy go lucky kid we knew, her anger was also out of control, very temper short. We got help, therapist who diagnose Bipolar Manic, along with low does Zoloft and much prayer. This has helped get her back to were she use to be, she has try going off Zoloft 3 different times, but only to slip back into the depressed, all symptom returning . Today, two years later she doing great, graduated from high school this year with honors, holding down a job looking forward to college and has a wonderful boyfriend who heading off to The Pensacola Christian College this week. We are very proud of her!

Dear Mom,

Thank you for letting your daughter tell us her story...that is such a brave thing for her to do. I'd also like to say that it is a brave thing for you to do. I can't imagine how afraid you were when you realized the depths of her depression. It is unusual to diagnose such a young girl as bi-polar but than God you found a good therapist who found this out.

Many people who are truly bi-polar have to take medicine the rest of their life, like a diabetic has to take insulin. There is no shame in taking medication to control the symptoms of this disease. The alternative would be a history of jobs you quit from or are fired from because of impulsive behaviors and explosive temper, a long line of broken relationships, and poor interpersonal skills.

I'd like to thank you for listening to the therapist and allowing your daughter to get the treatment she needs to be successful. Many church saints & leadership do not understand mental illness and the effects on the family so it must have been difficult to go against the popular religious belief system to get your daughter help. I am sure you have been rewarded in your efforts because look at what she has accomplished, and I know you are so proud.

Again, thank you and your daughter for giving us a true case in point. Your story may help others struggling with the same thing and encourage them to get help.

God bless your family,
Rhoni