XOXO

Oh my god... I'm so sorry!!

Has she been to counseling? The whole family should go to counseling, especially if the father was such a horrible person!!

Maybe you could try to spend more time with your cousin... she needs to know that people love her (obviously your family does, but she might not realize it). One of my students last year was suicidal and would say that nobody cares about her, and she was surprised when I would keep talking to her after school and that I actually LIKED her... She started doing a lot better after we started up a friendship.

I mean, I don't know your family or its dynamics, but I hope she gets some counseling if she doesn't already.

I feel so bad for the 11 year old, I'm so sorry!

I'm sorry to hear this.

It's so, so difficult to deal with depressed and deeply troubled people, especially when they're close friends or family. And it's frustrating, because change (when it comes... and it DOES come) is so slow.

If they've already got counselors, that's a great start.

It sounds like you are doing what you can to help. Just keep doing what you're doing -- make sure that your cousin and your aunt know you're there to help in bad times AND good.

ETA: I just noticed what you said in your second post, about your cousin taking advantage of people who try to help her. I wonder if someone (your aunt, her counselor, someone) should gently tell her exactly what you told us. In other words, someone could remind her that she doesn't need to act out in order to be loved... she is loved anyway, and the drama eventually winds up hurting her (and the people around her). No one doubts that her pain is genuine, but people are concerned that her pain will only get worse the more she dwells on it. I think someone her age could understand that concept.

i wish there was something i could do to help.....
if you need anything...someone to talk to....i'm here fo you.

My brother went through a really difficult period where he tried to destroy his life...I know what's it's like to be there and feel helpless...

My uncle also had a similar life.....

Is there someone that she trusts that she could talk to. I know she's loved by your family, do you think she has to be told how much she's loved. Its so sad what her dad did to her.

Rach, I'm so sorry I know how much you've tried to help your cousin. It is so sad that children have to deal with such horrible things. I hope she can deal with her problems and overcome. to you and your family

Im am so sorry to hear that!!!

I'm so sorry

I'm surprised the ER released her that very night, from what I know, she would usually be held because she is a danger to herself.

I hope things get better for her.

So sorry to hear the news