Very new to this - 16yo daughter's school rang three weeks ago as her friend's mum had rung concerned about suicide thoughts and self-harm being discussed with her daughter. Now started the process of counsellors and appointments with Headspace. She is either refusing to communicate with me completely or talking until midnight and being friendly. So confusing to be around. I've spoken to the Headspace people a few times and they've been amazing.    My questions relate to whether self harm can in some instances be for attention to some degree? She told me last week that she'd gone to three pool parties with more than 15 friends over January and each time there was more evidence on her body and she seemed disappointed that only three of those friends had said anything or asked how she was. I suggested that her friends might be finding it really difficult to know what to do - I know I am.   She very much regrets that her dad and I know about what she's been doing to herself and is quite sure that she and her friends could deal with it just fine on their own - such a big ask of her friends - I am worried that they will find it all too much - plus I can only imagine what their parents might be feeling (if they know).   She's also feeling quite free to get home from school whatever hour she likes, sometimes I get a text to say where she's going, sometimes not. I feel as though we have to be so nice and caring all the time so we don't upset her - and then I feel quite angry as well - I know she's not working from a solid mental basis at the moment but the mood swings and self-centred behaviour is really tough to stay calm through sometimes.   Thanks for listening - so glad I found this forum and seeing others stories.   ... View more