Screaming/lashing out - at himself...

punkypolly

My 9 year old is having some social problems. got a call from the school today saying there was a problem in the yard and my son ended up screaming at a group of children and trying to choke himself, saying he's going to kill himself. He's done stuff like this in the past (last year he used to bash himself in the head and hit his head off walls) but we thought this had stopped. its a new school year and its started back up again. when he feels something isnt fair he seems to act out like this. he lives with me (no father involved) but this has never bothered him and is not an issue (i dont think) and we have a very strong family support network. He gets attention at home and does outside activities but whenever he is frustrated or worked up seems to start doing harmful things to himself. i dont know how to stop this or how to deal with it, without getting angry at him.

Morag

Go to your dr and a get a referral to your nearest child and family clinic to get him assessed, get the school also back the referral it could be a range of things and the sooner you both get help the better.

caseyann

Hi OP,so sorry to hear of your sons and your upsets. Poor little guy and poor you.
While i agree get him to see someone as poster above has said.But also watch out for bullying issues from school as you said restarted since back in school.He may be bottling and could cause all of those behaviors you have stated.But stay as calm as possible and try to sit with him in mean time and talk it out with him.Telling him you love him and there to help if he needs to talk.
I really feel for you.
Take care XX

Justask

Oh god thats awful upsetting.

I'd go to my GP and would very strongly vet what he is watching on TV and video games.

LadyMayBelle

Get you and your kids to a GP now, this has been going on way too long. It's not normal for a kid to be lashing out at himself or trying to choke himself. He is clearly distressed about some stuff, which may be connected with Dad not being around or connected with stuff that family haven't been able to put a finger on. Children who cannot manage difficult and painful feelings will act out in many different ways, and this is one of them.

Please don't see it as attention seeking in a way that the behaviour will stop if ignored. It is a cry for help, and he doesn't really know what else to do.

Has he been exposed to tv/magazines/comp games/films/internet that is damaging?

Great you have strong family network; they will support you as you get him referred to see a child specialist who can offer him help. Please don't wait.

byhookorbycrook

Is there a NEPS psychologist attached to the school?

Roselm

If you live in Dublin the Mater CAMHS(Child and adolescent mental health service) or Lucena deal with kids with emotional/behavioural difficulties.
Outside of Dublin there should be a local CAMHS service. Schools aren't always aware of these by the way in my experience.
GP should be able to help.
Further details are also on the hse website

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Children_and_Family_Services/Child_and_Adolescent_Health/CAMHSContact.html

Best of luck

Morag

CAMHS(Child and adolescent mental health service) is the very new name for what was known as the Child & Family clinic. It's a bloody awful name and most people would know the services under the other one and they deal with parents as well as kids.

punkypolly

Hi everyone, thanks for your help. I went to the school this morning with my mother for support. His principal and teacher spoke with us and told us of some of the things that have been happening and about how they are also worried for him. We've decided to have him assessed and the school will organise this with the NEPS psychologist. I just want to be sure my boy is happy and able to control his emotions. Thanks again.