“Why does my daughter only write about death?”
My daughter is 14 years old and I recently happened to see her blog that is a collection of poems pretty much all about death. I'm really worried about this. It doesn't seem normal to me for a 14 year old girl to write about this. What can I do to address this and help her?
11 Answers
Please have your daughter see psychiatrist ASAP,
Take her to the nearest ED for evaluation taking all the writings what you have with you.
Make sure to have safety plan in place at home. Risky objects sharp objects knives rope meds bottles anything you can think of.
Wish you all best
Take her to the nearest ED for evaluation taking all the writings what you have with you.
Make sure to have safety plan in place at home. Risky objects sharp objects knives rope meds bottles anything you can think of.
Wish you all best
Suicide - kids have different ways of communicating depression. When you see posting on social media, writings like poetry , it’s a red flag.. they are asking for help!!
She needs urgent evaluation. Maybe inpatient treatment to address her depression symptoms and preoccupation with suicide.
She needs urgent evaluation. Maybe inpatient treatment to address her depression symptoms and preoccupation with suicide.
Yes, I think you are absolutely right, being immersed and preoccupied with death is not typical. Try talking to her and see if she is willing to talk about her feelings and why is she so preoccupied with death. Also if she is willing to see to a therapist to continue the discussion with professional guidance. If you are concerned for her safety, then see that she gets additional professional help with a child psychiatrist.
I hope that helps,
Dr. Sangra
I hope that helps,
Dr. Sangra
Dear Parent, I would tell her I have seen her blog, and am concerned about her. Is she depressed? Is she thinking life is not worth living? If so, I would suggest that it may help to have someone to talk to and have her see a competent Adolescent Psychiatrist.
David H. Lifschutz, MD
David H. Lifschutz, MD
This is potentially a real concern and could mean she is either depressed or even having suicidal thoughts. Talk with her about how she is feeling and do not hesitate to seek professional help.
Start by talking about it with her and asking her directly, She may be doing fine or she may be preoccupied for some reason, or possibly sad or thinking about dying herself. Direct on going contact with kids is best. If she is having trouble with her feeling sad or worried or even more distressed , I would begin with her PCP who can refer her to a counselor or psychiatrist if needed. If at any time you feel she is in danger of hurting herself you can take her to the ER or call 911
Please have her evaluated by a therapist for depression and suicidal ideation!!
Seems to be questioning her existence and dissatisfaction with her life.
Open dialogue. Are there co-occurring symptoms such as alteration in sleep, diminished interests, increased isolation, increased irritability, increased guilt, diminished energy/concentration/motivation/academic performance, alteration in appetite, suicidal thinking and hopelessness? If so think depression and see child/adolescent psychiatrist. There are myriad other possible reasons. Your daughter may benefit from starting 1:1 therapy if adolescence hasn’t been kind or if she seems to be negative, angry, ‘on the outside’ and unhappy or similarly distressed.
Try to engage her to find out what's happening with peers in school, peer relationships are important in this age group, with internalizing of feelings and support from dark music and writings. If it's transient and she is functioning well in school and has a supportive family, that helps quite a bit. Whoever she is close to at home or in school can engage her. Also room checks for sharps etc is important. Let her know she is supported. If there are persistent depressive symptoms, an evaluation by a counselor is necessary
Marat Nadirovich Shamsutdinov
Adolescent Psychiatrist
Hello. I hope your daughter is well.
At this age, some teens are still searching for themselves and who they are in life. Important thing is the context of writings, her overall function, and changes in her functioning. The best next step is to get her seen and evaluated by a psychologist to determine the imminent risk and danger to herself or others.
All the best.
At this age, some teens are still searching for themselves and who they are in life. Important thing is the context of writings, her overall function, and changes in her functioning. The best next step is to get her seen and evaluated by a psychologist to determine the imminent risk and danger to herself or others.
All the best.
