Title: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 02, 2014, 08:46:43 AM I'm considering, just considering, having my DD attend a partial care program instead of these RTCs. Thoughts?
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: jellibeans on September 02, 2014, 10:37:30 AM Ray... .I think that is a good idea given your situation. If things go down hill you can revisit RTC... .do you think she will be able to handle being home? Will you be able to cope? I have not always had a good experience with RTC... .I do think partial care is a better option in your case.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 02, 2014, 10:54:01 AM I just got off of the phone with her CMO who had a good point. She has not proven to us that she is ready to come home. In the 6 months she has been at this RTC, she's had two good weeks.
We have a meet and greet with a facility called East Mountain Youth Lodge in Bell Meade NJ next week. Of course on their web site it sounds really good, but we shall see when we go there. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: jellibeans on September 02, 2014, 11:04:19 AM I am hopeful for you Ray that this next place will be of some help to your dd.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 02, 2014, 12:51:48 PM Me too jellibeans. Me too!
I read so many horror stories on here about some of your children trying to OD, and it's so scary. My DD, in my mind, while not trying to physically OD, I believe is still trying to harm herself by the risky behaviours she takes. She just is not safe at home right now. I'm trying to save her life by any means. But boy do I miss her! Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: HealingSpirit on September 03, 2014, 01:04:13 AM I read so many horror stories on here about some of your children trying to OD, and it's so scary. My DD, in my mind, while not trying to physically OD, I believe is still trying to harm herself by the risky behaviours she takes. She just is not safe at home right now. I'm trying to save her life by any means. But boy do I miss her! Thank Heaven your DD hasn't added OD to her self-harm repertoire! She is already a handful, so count your blessings wherever you can! I have no experience with RTC versus Partial Care, but I definitely want to hear how it goes and what you decide. The CM did make a good point that your DD needs to "earn" her way out of there. But from what you've described, it doesn't sound like it has been appropriate treatment for her to get better, so maybe she is set up to lose there? This is a tough call and I don't envy your decision. Let us know what you think of the RTC in Jersey. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's a better fit. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 03, 2014, 08:48:53 AM I really need you people today. DD called last night and was crying which of course makes me feel terrible. Yes HealingSpirit, I do feel she is set up for failure where she currently is. All the girls want to do there is fight. So my DD is basically fighting for survival right now... .
She was hopeful that she could do partial care. I was informed by the CM that they will kick kids out for fighting. So if I did put her in there, what happens if she gets kicked out? On the otherhand, her argument is, that she now knows we aren't bluffing. That if she screws up again, she now knows she would go right back. My DD has always talked a good talk. I try and tell her that that is all well and good, but I am an actions speak louder than words advocate. Anyway, she was so distraught last night telling me that a couple of the girls that are where she is have been to this place we are checking out next week and said it's just as bad as far as fighting is concerned. I really don't know what to do. DH is against bringing her home. I feel completely torn. This is so hard! I see all the kids starting school, DS7 included today. My DD should be starting HS. Despite me telling her I am trying to save her life when she says I'm ruining it, part of me believes it now. I can't take this ___ anymore. :'( Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: jellibeans on September 03, 2014, 09:38:08 AM Ray
I will tell you that after my dd got out of RTC she did improve... .fear of returning did help her control herself to some degree so it might be worth it. I guess you need to balance the good with the bad... .is having at the place she is now helping or hurting her? I think partial could be a real step in the right direction... .if she can not attend her partial program without trouble then she needs something long term. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: HealingSpirit on September 04, 2014, 12:21:50 AM DH is against bringing her home. I feel completely torn. This is so hard! I see all the kids starting school, DS7 included today. My DD should be starting HS. Despite me telling her I am trying to save her life when she says I'm ruining it, part of me believes it now. I can't take this ___ anymore. :'( Oh Ray, You sound at the end of your rope today. I'm so sorry! This really is a tough decision you are making. No matter what you choose, there will be positive and negative consequences. One thing I know for sure... .we ALL make the BEST decisions we can with the skills, knowledge, and awareness we have at any given moment. Since the place she is in isn't working, I would be inclined to find a different setting, if I were in your shoes. How far away are you from McLean Hospital in Massachusetts? I just finished reading Dr. Blaise Aguirre's book, "BPD in Adolescents." He is featured on one of the videos on this site, and he seems to "get" BPD and how to reach and help troubled teens. We live in California, but if we lived on the East Coast, I would look into sending my DD to McLean in a heartbeat, if it were at all possible. They have a high success rate of helping teens improve there, and from the way he described the staff support and training requirements, I think it must be a top-notch place. Well-supported, well-trained, and committed staff are likely to be much more effective than staff in places where they are just doing their job. WHATEVER you decide, I know you are making the best choice you can for the moment. All you can do is try something different when what you are currently doing isn't working. Hang in there! Sending you more rope! Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 04, 2014, 08:32:12 AM Ray... .I think that is a good idea given your situation. If things go down hill you can revisit RTC... .do you think she will be able to handle being home? Will you be able to cope? I have not always had a good experience with RTC... .I do think partial care is a better option in your case. So many things we've tried has failed. In the end, prior to RTC, she refused coming home for in-home therapy. Her therapist at the RTC feels DD is not ready to come home at all. HealingSpirit - You made me smile with the "sending more rope" comment. That was cute. And very much appreciated. MA is 5 hours away. A bit too far in my opinion. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 05, 2014, 09:17:32 AM Some good news for a change. I talked to DD’s Case Manager at the RTC. She said for the past couple of weeks, she has seen much progress in DD. She feels she make have finally “broke”. I am cautiously optimistic about that, but it’s very nice to hear good things for a change. CM said that there are many youth still taking off in the woods at night, but that DD has not followed suit. Also said that she seems to choose her words more carefully when speaking to staff whereas as before, she’d tell them off if they said something she didn’t like.
I spoke with DD last night who was in much better spirits. Sounded very positive. I told her that if she gives me three consistent months of good behavior, I will appeal to the judge to have her come home. She was very happy about this. Based off of these past few weeks of good behavior without a doubt, she can do it if she puts her mind to it. She is allowed a day pass for her Birthday Sunday. She asked if she can split the time between her father’s house and mine and I said sure. I asked if she wanted to go someplace special and she said she just wants to come home. I reinforced the fact that she may have her friend come over because it is her Birthday, but that she is not permitted to leave. She said she promises she won’t. DH was not happy about her coming home for the day. Told me she isn’t ready yet and suppose she runs off. I said well than she won’t be able to come back for home visits for a while again. The last time she was home was back in April for Easter. We are talking over 5 months ago. I told him there has to come a point where we have to try it again. We cannot just prohibit it and leave it at that. We have to try and start establishing trust again. My mom said it’s because he is scared and I get that. But she is my child. I want to give her chances when warranted. If he could have it his way, she’d never come home again. Anyway, we will see how it goes. **Fingers crossed** Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 05, 2014, 10:26:20 AM On a different note, my exh is trying to make this visit about him and not DD. He isn't happy about splitting the time. Wants us all to be together. I said this is what DD wants. I really wanted to say it's about what DD wants, not about what he wants but I'm being nice.
Little history with the ex. She still thinks we ar gonna end up together. Said it in the beginning of divorce that we mind as well just stay together because we'll end up together. Grr... . Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: HealingSpirit on September 07, 2014, 07:37:28 PM Some good news for a change. I talked to DD’s Case Manager at the RTC. She said for the past couple of weeks, she has seen much progress in DD. She feels she make have finally “broke”. I am cautiously optimistic about that, but it’s very nice to hear good things for a change. I am so encouraged to hear this today! I'm crossing my fingers and toes with you that she keeps up the positive trend! Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 08, 2014, 09:02:19 AM DD came home for the day yesterday for her Bday. Her father and I split the time. It was a very nice visit and everything went well. She was very emotional and crying a lot when we went out to dinner saying how she didn't want to go back with "those girls"; I allowed her to bring a friend. She kept having to excuse herself. Then on the ride back she begged and pleaded for me to allow her to do partial care. Saying she promises to follow the rules. Will go to school and straight to partial care. I really don't know what to do anymore. The CM said that I can do partial care but that I have to do it on my own. But did say if it failed, they'd be able to step back in and get her replaced in an RTC. I really need some advice right now.
She looked so beautiful. She is stunning. She talks so a good talk. Keeps saying she now knows we aren't bluffing when we say we are going to do something. Do I try the partial care? And if I do, how to I convince DH? I do not think he will like the idea and I fear he will really go off. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 08, 2014, 09:35:38 AM I'm thinking maybe giving her an incentive. Give me the next three months (it's a 9 - 12 month program) to prove to me that you are ready to come home and you can come home by Xmas. I know she isn't going to like that. Keeps saying she can't do it there because the girls egg her on and she can't back down. But I need proof. She needs to show me she can do it. Don't you all agree? And she has made progress. The CM there told me she hasn't ran with the others, seems to hold back her mouth, etc. Also, she was folding her clothes and putting them away when she came home! So she has picked that up. lol. Do I let her stay and finish out the program or move her? We are due for the meet and greet tomorrow at the other place. She said the RTC CM where she is said she'd consider letting her stay over night because she also has court the next day so it'd be a lot of back and forth for me. Even if we decide not to move her, I still may do this if allowed. Another chance to prove she can be home... .
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: HealingSpirit on September 08, 2014, 12:47:13 PM I can sure understand why you need proof that she can handle coming home. And I feel how torn you are, wanting to bring her home, but not wanting to risk it until she is well enough to handle it.
I can't help but wonder if there is some way to ease into coming back home. I'm sure 3 months must sound like eternity to your DD. She was only home for 1 day. Is there a way for her to earn more visits home between now and December? Maybe a lot of short visits hime would help you earn her trust back and give her a more immediate sense of gratification for her good behavior? My DD has never been to an RTC, so I am afraid I don't know the visitation rules, or how that works. But it seems like having 1 successful visit isn't quite enough to ensure her success in coming home and doing partial care. I think I would want to experience at least a few more successful visits home before I'd be ready to have her back. I hope others here have practical knowledge and advice for you. This is such a tough decision! Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 08, 2014, 01:29:36 PM I can sure understand why you need proof that she can handle coming home. And I feel how torn you are, wanting to bring her home, but not wanting to risk it until she is well enough to handle it. I can't help but wonder if there is some way to ease into coming back home. I'm sure 3 months must sound like eternity to your DD. She was only home for 1 day. Is there a way for her to earn more visits home between now and December? Maybe a lot of short visits hime would help you earn her trust back and give her a more immediate sense of gratification for her good behavior? My DD has never been to an RTC, so I am afraid I don't know the visitation rules, or how that works. But it seems like having 1 successful visit isn't quite enough to ensure her success in coming home and doing partial care. I think I would want to experience at least a few more successful visits home before I'd be ready to have her back. I hope others here have practical knowledge and advice for you. This is such a tough decision! They have to "make status" and then "become global" after so many to able to have visits. In the 6 months she has been away, she has been home twice. The first time being back in Easter shortly after she started and wasn't even ready to come home which was a huge fail, and yesterday. She said it's hard to make status. That they make it too hard. I find that hard to believe really. She made status the past couple of weeks. So she CAN do it. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: jellibeans on September 08, 2014, 01:30:54 PM Ray
I just think you need to do what you feel is right. Your final decision should be from love not fear. You have to live with the choices but I really don't think there is a wrong or right here. I agree with HealingS that three months is a long time. Kids like ours have a hard time with that kind of stress. If you believe the place she is at is doing good for her then keep her there but honestly I feel it is worth giving her a chance. When my dd was release from RTC she was on her best behavior... .she was very fearful of going back and to this day I see feel her anxiety over her stay there. I am not sure her stay at RTC did her any good... .at most it let her know that we were serious and that if we felt she could not be safe at home then RTC is where she needed to be. I do think in Valerie Porr's book she talks about RTC... .she really wasn't a firm supporter of RTc or wilderness programs. I truly feel that a lot of the change needs to come from us the parents. I have talked to my dd doctor and I really beleive in time she will mature and her frontal lobe will mature too and then and only then will we see some real improvements and stability. In the meantime we just need to get through the teen years. Having her come home would mean stress on you... .are you ready for that? What have or will you do to prepare? Having a behavior plan for her return is a must... .will she attend school? will you home school her? When my dd got out of RTC it was the beginning of summer and she had time to recover and adjust back to our home. I think RTC is really hard on these kids and I am not sure they are necessary... .I really feel it is more of a safety issue. If your dd is suicidal and is unsafe at home then RTC is a good place to keep them safe. I think also when they come home they appreciate more and realize how fortunate they are... .they are less of a princess... .at least at first. I certainly think that coming home should be solidly based on her attending T sessions and taking meds etc... .if she is unable to actively take part in improving then I am not sure bringing her would be helpful. Have you thought about foster care... .maybe her release is first to a foster care home and then slowly reintroduce her home? I am only throwing out suggestions. The choice is yours Ray... .no one can do that for you but either way you are in a tough spot... .don't let fear guide you in this decision. Please take care of yourself. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 08, 2014, 02:06:46 PM Jelli - We tried every other avenue to prevent out of home placement. In the end she was taking off for days, having sex with countless men who she didn't even know, not following house rules, not participating in therapy, missing probation appointments and doing drugs, constantly getting suspended from school where I was on the verge of losing my job having to keep leaving to pick her up. I don't have the luxary of home schooling her.
She had many an opportunity to not let it get to the RTC route after I kept warning her that if I could not control her and her father could not control her, the state is going to have to come in to control her. How is sending her to a foster home going to be any better? I hear just as many horror stories about foster homes as RTCs. Yeah 3 months IS a long time for a child. But she got herself in to this mess. She may not be suidical but she was on the road to becoming a statistic anyway and that's what I am trying to avoid. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: HealingSpirit on September 08, 2014, 05:16:02 PM Ray,
What I'm hearing if I read between the lines is that you are not ready to have her home yet. That is ok! Your well-being and the rest of your family's well-being is part of the picture that needs to be considered. Am I correct in guessing that you are feeling anguish and guilt about needing her to stay? If my "mind-reading" is correct, could your own fears or guilt be what is leading you to take her back home too early? Like Jellibeans said, don't let fear guide your decision. There are no right or wrong answers. Whatever choice you make today can be a different choice tomorrow. You have to do what is best for everyone concerned. Only you know what is right for your family on any given day. Big HUG to you! Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 09, 2014, 04:21:57 PM The RTC allowed dd to come home today overnight since we had a meet and greet at the other rtc, and court tomorrow morning. We r home as I type and dd is badgering me about letting her go out. I told her she could have a friend over and again not good enough. So she isnot talking to me and hinting she is gonna go out anyway. If she does its gonna be a very long time before i allow her back. I will keep u posted. Wish me luck.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: mama72 on September 09, 2014, 04:38:12 PM Good luck, ray. Hope your night is uneventful.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 09, 2014, 06:13:10 PM Welp she snuck out. I am beyond pissed.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: GaGrl on September 09, 2014, 06:43:52 PM Have her picked up and let her spend the night detained til court.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: mama72 on September 09, 2014, 06:44:08 PM So sorry, ray. Do you have a plan of what you are going to do?
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 09, 2014, 06:48:10 PM Well I called the case manger at the rtc to let her know and Im telling her probation officer tomorrow. Really nothing else I CAN do.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 09, 2014, 09:59:43 PM Have her picked up and let her spend the night detained til court. They dont do that around here. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: HealingSpirit on September 10, 2014, 12:37:46 PM Welp she snuck out. I am beyond pissed. I'd be pissed too. AND disappointed. However, it occurs to me this ends your dilemma about whether or not you can trust bringing her hime early. I'm so sorry, Ray! Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: jellibeans on September 10, 2014, 12:44:14 PM Ray
How is everything today? Did your dd return home? It never eases to amaze me how they will alway pick the path of destruction. It really was so much more important for her to do what she wanted rather than abide by the rules of her visit. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: SeaSprite on September 10, 2014, 02:39:21 PM Ugh, I'm so sorry.
It's so hard when they seem so determined to be their own worst enemy. I know it sounds terrible, but sometimes I'm glad to be angry at my d, it is a nice break from feeling sad and guilty and worried. Good luck, I hope you and she get the help you need. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: Kate4queen on September 10, 2014, 03:45:36 PM I'm so sorry. That must be so tough for you.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 10, 2014, 07:57:46 PM Thanks everyone. We had court today. The charges of aggrevated assault was dropped but the running off was a offense in the third degree with a maximun sentenance of two years in juvi. In lieu of that she was oredered to go to the new RTC. So Monday she will be transferred to the new facility. It is a lock down facility that is much more structured and actually makes it easier for the kids to be succesful by providing more opportunities to earn privildges. We shall see how it goes. But considering the events of.last night, she has a long way to go. When asked why she left she said she couldnt help it. Said she cannot control herself and that she needs meds.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: Panda39 on September 10, 2014, 08:19:32 PM Hi raytamtay3,
I've been following your daughter's story (yes I've been lurking :)) and just wanted to let you know you are supported. I don't have BPD but was an incredibly rebellious teenager... .sex, drugs, cutting class (for more than a year!), older boyfriend, running away... .So in some ways I see myself in your daughter. Through her story I also see what I put my parents through for the three years (13-16) that I ran amuck. My parents almost gave up on me... .what finally turned me around was them threatening to put me in Foster Care. (What? they didn't want me?... .me the charming screwed up teenager that was their daughter? ) It took some time to repair the trust and it took "Continuation School" to get back in the swing of things with my education but I did get back on track. If not for the love of my parents and them keeping the pressure on me who knows where I'd be now. I want you to know no matter what happens that I know and your daughter knows, that you have been doing your absolute best for her |iiii I really hope for your daughter and your family that this new facility will really make a difference and help your daughter be the best she can be. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 11, 2014, 08:37:58 AM Thanks Panda; that means a lot.
I found a letter she wrote to me in her room last night. She appologized for leaving citing that she has been having so much anxiety at the RTC she's at and just needed a break. Said that she is sorry she is such a screw up and that she doesn't think she will ever be able to change. It felt good to see that she recognizes her struggles and appologized somewhat. We talked on the drive back to the RTC and she said how she cannot help herself. That she will never be able to get herself under control and therefore will never be able to come home. I told her that as time goes by and she matures some and hopefully gets on the right meds, I truly believe she can and will be able to come back home and be succesful. So heartbreaking. :'( PS: The new facility just incorporated DBT. It's in the beginning stages however. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 11, 2014, 08:47:53 AM Oh and I wanted to add that my DH and I had a conversation Tuesday night, after my DD took off. I had told him I had even been considering having her do partial care and he told me he would have asked for a divorce if I had... .went on to say he can not see having to deal with this crap for the next three years with her home (until she is 18). I told him I don't blame him. But man did that sting. So God only knows if we will be still married in the next three years.
He told me it wasn't a good idea for her to have the home pass and it got heated with me walking off saying it's done so... .(didn't handle it well). He knew she would take off. I went in to mommy bear mode and told her we had to at least test it out. And once again he was right... .but damn. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 11, 2014, 10:51:09 AM I’m really down today. I really feel so bad for my daughter and her struggles. It’s so depressing to see such a beautiful, loving, intelligent little girl so lost. I still cannot wrap my head around the whys. I know it’s some sort of mental illness. Not quite sure it is even BPD. Never really have gotten true diagnoses which is frustrating in and of itself. But to hear her say she will never change; that she can’t, is so heartbreaking. It killed me to see all of her friends starting high school. I envy their parents for having “normal” kids. I want my daughter to have a “normal” life. Not be locked away. But I know I cannot control her at home. That no matter what I tried failed. And I feel like a failure because of it. I feel like I let her down. And even though I’m doing this all to try and protect her, I do feel like I’m wasting her life some times. I’m in a constant state of not knowing what the right and wrong thing is to do. Indecisive and completely lost myself. Thanks for reading. Just had to vent my feelings.
My DD says to me that life must be so much better for me and I must be having the time of my life with her away. I told her she has no idea how untrue that is... . Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: lever. on September 11, 2014, 11:41:39 AM I have been following your story too ramtamtay.
At least she has shown you( without too much harm being done) that she cannot be at home at the moment. She is far too impulsive. It is good to hear that she is going to a different facility where DBT is offered. There were always doubts about the place where she has been. Hold on to hope-some of us do have experience of things improving significantly as our children mature. It is horrible to be caught in the middle between your BPD child and your husband. No need to argue with him just now-there is the possibility that he may change his stance if he sees improvement in your daughter's ability to regulate her mood and impulses. I wouldn't push anything at him until things have cooled a lot but will he read anything about BPD. You have time-chip away with tiny little steps. You are not failing-you are trying to protect a child with a mental health issue. Looking forward to hearing how things go in the new facility. I hope it provides what she needs -and perhaps some family work-both her father and your present husband would benefit. Also I love the way you expressed your faith in her-keep reminding her that it will be hard work but that you are confident that she can make progress. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: SeaSprite on September 11, 2014, 11:57:21 AM I understand the feelings you are having! It is so hard to see them hurting, and missing out on a normal teenage life. My d16 wrote similar things in her journal, that I'd be sorry I'd pushed her away when she was off living with her bf and I'd be so happy without her, knowing it was my fault she'd left. It's like she knew how hard it was for me to have her around, but at the same time wanted to punish me for whatever it was i wasn't doing to help her. I hope you and dh are able to get through this. I hope he is just frustrated and feeling helpless, and that his comments were an exaggeration. It must have been so hurtful to hear what he said. I don't think there is a way to know the right thing to do when your child is in this position, i think there is only what seems to be the best choice at the time, with the information you have available. And it sounds like right now, your dd isn't giving herself or anyone else any other options. She has closed all the doors. Maybe she will learn to start opening new doors, and make a new, better life. You are doing everything you can to give her that chance. It's not your fault she has so much trouble coping with life, and you are doing your best to help her. I hope that even though you miss her, the time away will be good for all of you, so that you can recharge, your dh can calm down, and your d can begin to heal and grow. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: jellibeans on September 11, 2014, 12:00:01 PM Ray
I think we all go through these times when we doubt ourselves... .when we feel helpless. I think that comes from wanting to fix everything and help but there are somethings we can not do for our children... .they have to learn it themselves and it is painful to watch. I hope she does better at the new RTC... .it can't hurt and I do think the place she has been at has really not been a good fit. Why do you think your dd wrote the letter? My dd has done this kind of letter but in is usually in the form of a suicide note... .that is when she takes responsibilty for her actions etc... .I hope they are keeping a good eye on yur dd. In the past my dd would rather hurt herself than follow rules. The ODD can be really strong. I hope your day improves... .when I am feeling down I try to remind myself that this is only a small part of her life... .things will get better and if you can put in that kind of perspective it opens the door to your imagination... .I like to picture my dd married or having a great job... .just living independently. It is important to have dreams and have hope. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 11, 2014, 12:25:08 PM Thank you everyone. I thank God every day I stumbled upon this forum.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: HealingSpirit on September 11, 2014, 03:51:44 PM I’m really down today. I really feel so bad for my daughter and her struggles. It’s so depressing to see such a beautiful, loving, intelligent little girl so lost. I still cannot wrap my head around the whys. I know it’s some sort of mental illness. Not quite sure it is even BPD. Never really have gotten true diagnoses which is frustrating in and of itself. But to hear her say she will never change; that she can’t, is so heartbreaking. Oh Ray! I swear there must be a planet in retrograde or something for so many of us here to be down today. I already sent you my response once today and it went to the Virtual World because it isn't here. Ugh! I just finished reading Dr. Blaise Aguirre's book about BPD and Adolescents. He cited a lot of research that shows that BPD could and should be dx in the early teen years so they can receive DBT therapy, which is more effective than anything else for BPD. It is such a shame that the majority of the mental health community are still so reluctant to DX teens under 18! Hopefully that will change in our lifetime. In the meantime, at least your DD has a chance to be kept safe at a better fitting facility. Hang in there! Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: infiniteeyes on September 11, 2014, 04:45:54 PM Hi Raytamtay Ive been reading your posts and I must say my heart is well and truly breaking for you and your daughter. One thing that always pops out at me is how young your daughter is. It is both a blessing and a curse, for she is so young there is so much time for her to turn her life around. Then again, she is displaying these behaviours far beyond her years too. My DD15 sounds quite similar to yours, only mine seems to reach her peak and then it simmers down again for longer stretches at a time. This time last year there was talk of sending her to a RTC but it never happened. I think the fear of going was enough to make her control herself (better at least).
If your DD hasnt tried DBT therapy yet then that might just be the trick. My DD did it as an outpatient over 12 weeks and it did help. After she completed it we had a period of about 9 months, with no self harm, and no violent outbursts :) We did still have issues at school and the mood swings continued but not on such a scale. Please hold on and never loose hope. We can accept disappointment but we must never loose hope. You are doing a great job. You love your daughter, thats plain to see. She is going on monday to the best place she can be right now. Take this time to reconnect with yourself and your DH. I have every faith in the professionals, despite my previous doubts. Sending positive vibes your way Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 12, 2014, 09:02:12 AM phew! I just had a scare. The new RTC just called saying how they just reviewed DD's chart again and saw that she had a incident in 2011 whereby she and a friend lit leaves on fire and how we had an arson risk evaluation done on her at the time. I remember our previous CMO sayin how many RTC refuse kids with a fire setting history. Thankfully there were satisfied when I said there have been no further incidences since than and our just requesting a letter from the current RTC stating there haven't been any there. I was literally holding my breath! Phew.
I feel at peace today for some reason. Today is a good day - so far. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 15, 2014, 09:19:32 AM I just spoke to the IEP coordinator over at the school my DD attends currently and told her that DD will be transferring to another RTC. She asked the name of the place and I told her and she said she's heard good things about the place! Cool! Have any of you heard of East Mountain Youth Lodge in Belle Meade, NJ?
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: Rapt Reader on September 15, 2014, 04:17:27 PM I've never heard of that RTC, raytamtay3, but that is a great sign that you got a good recommendation from her IEP coordinator |iiii
I hope that things are looking up for her, and your whole family... . Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 16, 2014, 10:54:46 AM This transfer cannot come soon enough! Just received a call from the present RTC that DD has been taking off in the woods for the past three nights; returning at 3 am! I fear she's going to get pregnant before we transfer her! This is ridiculous! And we just fricken' had court whereby she was charged for taking off in the woods, which was a 3rd degree offense. Yet she continues to do so! And this last time she was picked up by DHS which may mean she gets charged again! I am so frusterated!
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: SeaSprite on September 16, 2014, 12:46:33 PM So frustrating!
Thinking back to my own self-destructive teenaged behavior, as well as what I've seen in my D and read about BPD, it seems like it all comes from a place of feeling hopeless, helpless, and powerless. Sort of an attempt to prove to self and world that "I'm not afraid". And no real belief that anything will get better. I hope the new place is able to offer help, so that she can face her own anxieties and learn some impulse control. Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 16, 2014, 02:45:54 PM Thanks SeaSpright. Her father told me that she told him she is going to have her fun before she goes to the new place that is lock down... .She has no concept or could careless that the judge could order her to Juvi if she is charged again. Nor does she care that I have to keep missing work to take her to court.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: HealingSpirit on September 17, 2014, 12:39:14 PM Her father told me that she told him she is going to have her fun before she goes to the new place that is lock down... .She has no concept or could careless that the judge could order her to Juvi if she is charged again. Nor does she care that I have to keep missing work to take her to court. Oh Ray, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that her recent rebelliousness is a "last hurrah" before she buckles down and gets to working on her future at the new RTC. I feel frustrated with you at how her behavior affects YOU with consequences if lost work, etc. Hang in there! Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: theplotthickens on September 17, 2014, 02:33:11 PM That is ridiculous... .why don't they have an alarm, and why is she allowed to leave without someone going after her and calling the authorities. This is endangering, IMO.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on September 18, 2014, 08:34:00 AM That is ridiculous... .why don't they have an alarm, and why is she allowed to leave without someone going after her and calling the authorities. This is endangering, IMO. Good question! Something I've been asking and get the response that they do not go after them if they go into the woods. It's a disgrace. I will be wrighting negative reviews on the net to warn other parents/caregivers. She called me this morning on the way to work from school. Mind you she isn't allowed to use the phone there, but somehow manages to get to it too. She told me she didn't run in the woods and was just "out of area", so they don't press charges for that. So now the question is, if she isn't in the woods then yes, how the h*ll is she able to even be "out of area"? Anyway, looks like tomorrow will be the transfer. Thank God. DD said she doesn't want to leave this RTC (gee - wonder why?) because they revamped things now and make it easier for the kids to make status. Unbelievable. I said well that is no longer and option. I cannot wait to get her out of there. Unreal... . Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: raytamtay3 on October 07, 2014, 08:40:04 AM So DD was transferred to the new facility two weeks ago. So far it is a much much much better place. They hold the residents accountable for their actions by making them complete a packet explaining what happened to cause a negative behavior to occur, what they could have done to avoid it and in the future, what could they do differently as well as how would they handle a similar situation if it occurred at their job. They get to recoup, if you will, there negative points every day whereas at the other facility, if you messed up, you suffered the consequences for the entire week. They do weekly trips. Unfortunately DD’s true colors came out in the very beginning. Or as her therapist says “With T there was no honeymoon period”. So she has lost points for things such as getting caught smoking, having to be restrained, getting suspended from school for hitting a boy in a playful manner, and getting written up 14 times for other school related incidences. But there has been no fighting at this place whatsoever. She has more freedom to make phone calls too. I’m impressed so far with how they handle things there. DD tells me she will never get out because she cannot control herself. The medication is not working either. Hopefully as time goes by she will realize that it’s just not worth misbehaving and strive to make positive changes.
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: jellibeans on October 07, 2014, 09:19:41 AM That is great news Ray... .I hope this place will be the the beginning of change for your dd. |iiii
Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: lever. on October 07, 2014, 10:20:58 AM Yaay! Great news Raytamtay |iiii
I really hope they can give the help she needs and that she can accept it. It sounds like a big improvement on the other place :) Title: Re: DD RTC - Continued Post by: Rapt Reader on October 07, 2014, 03:17:50 PM *mod*
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