33
answers
N.R.
asks from
Vidor, TX
on
February 23, 2009
Please Help Me ! - Vidor,TX
hello i am new at this and dont know if any one will respond , but i have a 10 yr old daughter who is going through all the changes. i am so concerned about her. there are things she does that is not normal to me. she thinks bugs are all over her and around her all the time, looks at food constantly to make sure nothing is in it , thinks she sees black shadow things and thinks that if any thing she touches it will get in her body and she will die. i dont understand why she thinks these things and i get so fustrated at her, i cant handle this. please if any one has any suggestions i would greatly apprieciate it. she hasnt had a trauma, although me and her dad fuse alot, we have gone through 2 hurricanes, alot of family in and out. no meds, no illnesses, no drugs, goes to church regularly. i just dont know
So What Happened?™
i appreciate all the comments. yes i am a nurse but sometimes i forget that when it comes to my own kids and believe me i do not know everything. we are a catholic family and go to church on reg basis. there is mentall illness in my side of family. she is learning alot of new things at school regarding nutrition and germs, so maybe its related, i am making her an appointment with both pcp and physc thanks for all your comments.
Featured Answers
L.H.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
If se were JUST seeing black shadows then I MIGHT agree with some posts that this was spritual.
You need to do a google search for schizophrenia symptoms and obessive compulsary disorder symptoms. Often one suffers from both.
I spent 15 yrs married to a man that was bi-polar had OCD and a touch of schizophrenia. I also took care of my ex-mother-in-law for 7 yrs and she REALLY had schizophrenia. I know that living with someone with these issues is hard. It's even harder for them trying to live with it.
Take her to a doctor.
1 mom found this helpful
L.A.
answers from
Austin
on
February 23, 2009
I would take her to the Doctor first thing in the morning. Does she have a fever? Is she on new medication?
Also I think I need to remind all of you out there, that not all School counselors are "real" Counselors. They are "academic" counselors. They are not really in the mental health business as much as educational counselors that understand the academic needs of children not mental health.
1 mom found this helpful
N.H.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
Sounds like she has OCD of some kind. I have that & I'm the same way about germs. I drive my hubby CRAZY all the time. I'm not as bad as I used to be but I'm still a fanatic about it. You should try counsuling & see if that helps. I just started changing my ways as a grownup but I grew up in a pretty nasty environment so that's where my problems stem from. Good luck!
More Answers
L.E.
answers from
San Antonio
on
February 24, 2009
please take her to a psychiatrist, she is having tactile hallucinations (feels bugs), and visual hallucinations (sees shadows). get a pediatric psychiatrist as soon as you can.
2 moms found this helpful
L.H.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
If se were JUST seeing black shadows then I MIGHT agree with some posts that this was spritual.
You need to do a google search for schizophrenia symptoms and obessive compulsary disorder symptoms. Often one suffers from both.
I spent 15 yrs married to a man that was bi-polar had OCD and a touch of schizophrenia. I also took care of my ex-mother-in-law for 7 yrs and she REALLY had schizophrenia. I know that living with someone with these issues is hard. It's even harder for them trying to live with it.
Take her to a doctor.
1 mom found this helpful
M.G.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
Wow- your responses are running from the sublime to the ridiculous. At the risk of offending anyone and/or having my post yanked, please get you child to a doctor for evaluation before she suffers more harm. I can't imagine how anxious and miserable she must be. It is ludicrous to believe religion has anything to do with this or that it should be the first intervention. You are responsible for your daughter's health and well being. Please make her an appointment as soon as possible.
1 mom found this helpful
J.C.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
Hello I'm JC, first let me ask what do you mean by going through all the changes. It seems that you and your daughter need a great deal of prayer, that's if you believe. I'm a prayer warrior and have prayed for all types of spirts within people around people etc.. If you are interested in prayer and Godly advise please contact me at ____@____.com. Waiting to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Jc
1 mom found this helpful
M.P.
answers from
College Station
on
February 24, 2009
I agree with taking her to the Doctor. Start first with your family Doctor and then follow his/her advice. She may need to follow up with some of the other Doctors that have been suggested. The main thing I can tell you is that YOU are her Mother and mother's intuiton is something you can always trust and count on when knowing your Daughter. You seem like a great Mom! Good Luck and Trust your instincts!
1 mom found this helpful
L.A.
answers from
Austin
on
February 23, 2009
I would take her to the Doctor first thing in the morning. Does she have a fever? Is she on new medication?
Also I think I need to remind all of you out there, that not all School counselors are "real" Counselors. They are "academic" counselors. They are not really in the mental health business as much as educational counselors that understand the academic needs of children not mental health.
1 mom found this helpful
S.K.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
ya i would take her to the doc i mean it might just be a stage she is going through or it could be more so i would take her just to be on the safe side well hope everything gets better take care
1 mom found this helpful
J.A.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
Your child may be suffering from anxiety disorder and maybe some obsessive compulsive disorder as well. You need to take her to a psychiatrist (someone who can dispense medications, as opposed to a psychologist, who cannot). There are several good anti-anxiety medications that work very well with children. My 12 year-old daughter has been on anti-anxiety medications for one year now and has responded very well. Our family life is now much much much better! Last January my child was in a disfunctional state (due to a rapidly escalating anxiety disorder) that was severely affecting all aspects of her life as well as the rest of the family. There are numerous causes of anxiety disorder. Anxiety showing this level of behavior will not likely just go away - your child needs professional help. Children should not have to suffer these kinds of ills - childhood is too short and too precious. Good luck! Hang in there! Do not take anything personally - your child cannot control this. You will really need to not get angry with her, as these behaviors are not her choosing. Find a good doctor - and make sure you check out the doctor before you take your child. You may have to fight with your insurance company (I did), but I am now happy with the outcomes we have experienced.
1 mom found this helpful
J.H.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
You are a nurse and you cannot see that your child has an emotional (or mental) problem? Get her to a physician ASAP who can determine what her problem is.
G.B.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
There are lots of scary movies and tv shows that deal with shadows and such. Is it possible she has seen them over a friend's or watched one secretly? I used to watch them as a child (my mom didn't mind) and I was TERRIFIED of all sorts of supernatural things. It may be as simple as that. If so, re-assure her that these were just movies and not real. Good luck!
N.H.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
Sounds like she has OCD of some kind. I have that & I'm the same way about germs. I drive my hubby CRAZY all the time. I'm not as bad as I used to be but I'm still a fanatic about it. You should try counsuling & see if that helps. I just started changing my ways as a grownup but I grew up in a pretty nasty environment so that's where my problems stem from. Good luck!
S.E.
answers from
Houston
on
February 23, 2009
Have you talked to your family's pediatrician or your daughter's school counselor (who may be able to offer a REFERRAL, not necessarily counsel your daughter)?
S.K.
answers from
Killeen
on
February 24, 2009
Looks like you have gootten advice from both sides. I have a dughter that about the same age would see ghosts. She did not want to be left in her room alone. I would get upset at her becasue she was always scared but then the more I talked with family and doctors we helped her deal with it then one day it was all gone. All you can do is listen to her don't argue or get mad just listen...even if it's not what you believe. She needs someone to talk with and needs to know you are not going to judge her. It will pass with help. As for the bugs if you don't take care of it now she will become ocd and will only get worse. Good luch and hang in there.
G.W.
answers from
Odessa
on
February 24, 2009
PLEASE do as Mary suggested. This is truly too much for a family to handle on their own. Think about how scared and out of control you feel.......now think about how much MORE your daughter feels.
K.C.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
NR, please take this child to see a psychiatrist as soon as you can. Call your pediatrician for a recommendation or take one that one of the moms have recommended, but this child is suffering. Going through hurricanes is traumatic and that may have triggered this reaction, but it is not the cause. She is hallucinating and that is something that needs to be treated.
Do not tell yourself that you should have seen this. As a nurse, I totally missed that one of my kids needed glasses and a friend had to point it out. We are blind when it comes to our own kids as we have too much invested in them.
With help (and probably some meds) she can be helped. Please don't delay.
Good luck and let us know how it all turns out.
K. c
A.W.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
I agree with Mary M. It sounds like your daughter should get some help as it sounds like she's gone through a lot and she may be trying to cope with her experiences.
Good luck!
M.D.
answers from
Victoria
on
February 24, 2009
Bless your heart! This is very tough for you I'm sure. First thing you need to remember is that it's not your fault and it's not her fault. Maybe a combination of stress has given her an OCD complex about buggies. The best thing you need to do is take her to a child psychologist. She needs therapy, don't try to handle it on your own, you wouldn't want it to get worse. And for her seeing shadows, is it a new house, have you lived there before? Are you doing any reconstruction to the house? Reason I ask is she might actually be seeing shadows. How is she sleeping?
J.L.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
I'll be quick since you have so many responses. This could be purely psychological, but I did not see anyone suggest that you have her thyroid checked. Ask the doctor about having blood work done to rule out anything like that as well. Thyroid issues can cause many strange things.
R.Z.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
I remember when my daughter turned 10. I cried and then called my mother. I asked her advice and she said you go in your corner and she can go in hers and wait until she is 18. I will get much better after that. lol. Well, I did and my daughter isnt so mouthy now. As for the bugs etc... Is she learning something new at school regarding germs etc?
R.
answers from
San Antonio
on
February 24, 2009
Your daughter may have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) or some other psychological issue. She should see a doctor who will be able to adress these issues with medicine. The symptom which concerns me is seeing shadows, which may indicate a serious medical issue. Please see a doctor.
D.B.
answers from
San Antonio
on
February 24, 2009
You really need to contact her pediatrician asap to get a referral to a pedi psych. to insure she is not suffering from an affective disorder. Even though you don't think she has suffered trauma, dealing with hurricanes, disruption in the home (lots of family in and out), parents fighting, etc. can be considered trauma for her young age. She needs an impartial person such as a psych that will allow her to talk about her worries, fears, etc. without wondering if she's going to hurt you, her dad or anyone else with what she is feeling.
D.
L.B.
answers from
Corpus Christi
on
February 24, 2009
As a mother it sounds like she needs to talk with someone who has the training to listen to her problems more than a mom. I dn not meat the school councilor. Hope that things get better for you.
R.K.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
I would have her evaluated to make sure there are no medical or emotional problems. Sounds like she is becoming OCD.
L.H.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
This sounds serious! Have you taken her to the doctor/pschiatrist about this? She really sounds like she has some kind of organic problem going on that may need medication and definitely some counseling with all she's been through......that's what I would think. Bless your heart! Good luck!
H.P.
answers from
Corpus Christi
on
February 24, 2009
If you are a nurse you should mentally go back through your psych clinicals. Or pull out the psych textbook. You didn't say whether or not she had a pre-existing condition, though you stated there were no new meds. I would take her to a shrink immediately. Onset of skitzophrenia (sp) typically goes witht the onset of puberty. Signs include hallucinations and a typically coupled with paranoia and obsessive or compulsive tendancies. WebMd had a lot of info that you may find helpful. Being through two hurricanes and a lot of family disruption can trigger episodes. I'm sorry you all have to go through this but the best way to help her is to understand what she's going through and get her the help she needs.
Z.L.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
I would suggest you talk to Lily Jones. She will be able to give insight as to whether your daughter is really seeing shadow entities or whether they are just imagination. She may also be able to give insight on the bugs issue. She works a lot with children having these experiences.
Her number is ###-###-####
Good luck.
Z. Lightway
D.B.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
Call and speak with your pediatrician immediately. Ask for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist to see her for an evaluation. Also, inform the elementary school social worker of your concerns and speak with her teacher. They may have noticed things too, and they will want to be part of the process of helping your daughter.
Having been through hurricanes is traumatic for children, as well as the changeable situation of having people come and go, as you mentioned. Whether it is due to those issues or a biological issue, your daughter needs your compassion and to be seen by qualified professionals.
C.W.
answers from
Waco
on
February 24, 2009
Hello,
I am so sorry to hear your little daughter is having these issues. It seems to me she is developing some sort of phobia that isvery real to her.
Going thru hurricanes can be traumatic enough- but perhaps she has seen something on TV that has scared her- you might try some topical cremes or lotions to put on her to make her feel more comfortable- but I think you should get her some professional help before she gets into full puberty and the phobia becomes to severe.
I would totally change her TV habits and watch what she is reading.........I would try not to gt frustrated with her or let her see my frustration- even tho that would be hard.........look at her food with her- give her comfort.. leave her bedroom lites on at nite so she won;t see any shadows- etc....just keep re assuring her that these things she is feeling or seeing are not real........I wish I had more suggestions that would help..
Blessings
I don't knnow if you guys are in a church family or not but getting her into a sunday School would help.........but if in a little while she does not getout ,
R.T.
answers from
El Paso
on
February 24, 2009
If you haven't already you might want to have her tested for bipolar. I know some people who are bipolar see and even hear things that aren't there. They also tend to be afraid of alot of things such as germs etc.. Just a suggestion.
J.M.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
Hi N R
Check to see if she has had any health or biology classes that talk about how the earth is a recycling environment. How parasites are the earths mechansium to do that recycling.
If this is the case then they need to finish teaching her that this is normal, and not to worry about it.
I would also change her diet as much as you can. Add some childrens liquid calcium, and liquid mineral, and a childrens probiotic supplements. I would get her off as much soda, sugar, white flour, red meat, pork and dairy as you can.
On my website www.creeksideherbhouse.com the reading page lists books where you can do more research on this. You can find these books at any library, or some are on line. The theory page is how the body gets sick, from the lack of proper nutrition, and the lack of keeping the saliva ph between 6.3 and 6.6. My contact informaion is on the bottom of the home page.
I hope this has given you a direction to look in for the answers to help your daughter with.
Blessings
J. M
D.J.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
When my daughter was about that age she "saw people in the room with her" and she "woke up with bugs on her" and many similar things. . . we talked about it, I reassured her that there was nothing around and made "safe zones" and "clean zones" in her room. In her case she also got a puppy to keep her company and "scare away the bad things".
BUT just to be safe, we also made an appointment for a routine physical just to make sure that there wasn't something up with her eyes or head. . .
You might not want to do a live dog (or you might, up to you), but if your daughter has the active imagination that she seems to, you might be able to make a "stuffed animal" the protector (I had "Sicky Bear" to keep my safe when I was little). All it usually needs is a little time, a little patience and a keen eye from mom.
As for the food, she might have found or a friend might have found, something in a plate that spooked her and now she is afraid she will eat something "yucky" . . . let her look, but don't let her refuse to eat something unless she can show you exactly why she shouldn't. . . .
A.S.
answers from
Austin
on
February 24, 2009
I'm in agreement with taking her to the doctor. She may have overly sensitive skin that's being stimulated by her clothing. It may be neurological. It may be a phase.
Get her checked out by medical professional to rule out anything that can be treated before looking to anything alternative.
Massive hugs to you!
P.H.
answers from
Houston
on
February 24, 2009
I have never experianced this myself, but I would seek counseling for her as soon as possible. She could be hallucinating or have some Obessive compulsive disorder.
I think only a psyciatrist could get to the bottom of this or help her manage her paranoia.
Good luck.