Regular 7 year old attitude, or mental health crisis?

[CrazyCatLady]

My dd has a lot of mental health problems that run in her family.  She has also has some of her own issues, a slightly traumatic childhood, and she sees a therapist regularly.

Right now she is in the bathroom, with the door locked, crying because she can't have a shake from Jack in the Box.  Earlier today she was hiding under a blanket saying that she didn't know what was wrong with her.  Earlier this week she was hitting herself in the head whenever we had to tell her "no" to something.  She hasn't acted like this in over a year and I don't understand where it is coming from.  I have a call in to the therapist, but no word back from her yet.

Am I overreacting?  Is this just normal 7 year old attitude?  She is my oldest, so I'm sometimes not exactly sure what to expect.  And I know I have the potential to overreact thanks to all the mental health problems that run in her genes. Thanks in advance for any help.

[stik]

My seven year-old did stuff like that.  This time of year is really overwhelming for kids who thrive on routine, and that may be playing in as well.  While it's not necessarily abnormal, I would bring it up with her therapist. 

[pbjmama]

I agree with pp and I would add that this may be brought on my extra stress of the holidays?

[CrazyCatLady]

Very true.  It did start during a vacation/road trip that we took to AZ.  I think she may just be thrown off a bit from all the changes recently.  I'll bring it up with her therapist, but I'll also stop freaking out about it for now.  She has seemed ok the rest of the evening anyways.  Thanks for the help. :)

[Emmeline II]

Ds has ADHD/Aspergers and he used to do this a lot. With maturity and ADHD medication he usually only resorts to hitting his head like that when he is overtired/out of routine.

[westslope]

Yes, this may be normal stuff. 

  she may be releasing some chaotic feelings inside of her, emotionally wound up, unable to process her emotions (anger, frustration, sadness, overwhelmed feeling... anything) and this is her way to get it out.

Let her "get it out" and see if she recuperates nicely afterwards. 

[CrazyCatLady]

We've often suspected ADHD, so thanks for that head's up.  She is completely back to normal now, so it just must have been the vacation that threw her off.  Whew!  Thanks for the help everyone.