Trouble and Deja Vu

[MomWithOCDSon]

DS came home from school today with some disturbing news: one of his best friends, a boy who's known for being "quirky" in his own right but also very bright, has begun cutting himself. This boy's been walking around with an ADD diagnosis for as long as we've known him (6 or 7 years), and because of DS's journey, I've often wondered if there wasn't something else afoot, especially given as he seems to come down with strep several times each year.

 

Ironically, his mother is a psychotherapist, and the boy has told DS he's taking several psych medications. DS is uncertain as to how he came to be found out for the cutting, but apparently he spent most of yesterday in the high school's Student Services office, and his parents have been notified. DS spent some time talking to his friend today, offering him an ear, a shoulder, and sharing some "tough times" stories of his own, with the current "happy ending." Proof positive that our kids come out the other side of this chaos compassionate and wise beyond their years.

 

Also interestingly, DS told his friend that he understood . . . that sometimes it can feel as though "your brain is on fire, and there's nothing you can do to put it out." When DS repeated that to me, I stared at him. "Did you really say that exact thing? Is that really the way you felt? You've never expressed it that way before." To which DS replied, yes, that's exactly how it felt . . . like every neuron he had was "lit up" and burning so hot that he couldn't calm down, couldn't think, couldn't sleep, etc.

 

I'll note that I read the book "Brain on Fire" about a year ago, and while I may have mentioned it to DS, he never expressed any particular interest, let alone read it himself.

[qannie47]

What a lovely testament to your son....tears in my eyes. You did a good job mom.

[ibcdbwc]

I do believe this experience makes our children highly sensitive and compassionate toward others. What a gift it is and I'm so encouraged that your son continues to thrive. So much so, that he can now help others. Amazing!

 

Incredible that he now describes his experience as " brain on fire." Given all the discussion just yesterday on this board about AE, truly amazing. Who needs medical mumbo jumbo. When a child says his brain is on fire.... we've got our answer.

 

Hoping your friend finds healing soon.

[Hopeny]

My dd is in a flare,,she described that she feels her brain is on fire, she is too young to be aware of that book. I since downloaded and read on my on my kindle. It's something that really needs further research

[dcmom]

My dd read brain on fire cover to cover in a weekend. She was twelve (last year). Must have been something she related to...