Google: Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite flagged on AI in Healthcare | Stanford: "It responded that the kid must have harmed themselves previously to show the parent."

I am so sorry you are going through this. It is completely normal to feel terrified, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do. The fact that she told you is actually a very significant sign of trust—she reached out to you because she needs help, even if she doesn't know how to ask for it clearly.

Please take a deep breath. You do not need to be an expert in mental health to be the support your daughter needs right now. Here is a guide on how to approach this, informed by mental health professionals.

### 1. Your Initial Response (The Immediate Conversation)
The goal of the first conversation is not to "fix" it, but to show her that **this is a safe space.**

*   **Stay calm:** Your daughter is likely already feeling shame, fear, or panic. If you react with anger, shock, or visible terror, she may shut down or hide the behavior further. 
*   **Listen more than you talk:** Ask open-ended questions like, "I am so glad you felt you could tell me. How long has this been going on?" or "What helps when you feel the urge to do this?"
*   **Validate her pain:** You don't have to agree with self-harm to validate that she is in pain. Say things like, "I can see that you are hurting so much, and I want to help you figure out a way to feel better that doesn’t hurt your body." 
*   **Avoid ultimatums:** Avoid saying things like "You have to stop this right now" or "If you love me, you’ll never do this again." Self-harm is often a maladaptive coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions; she can't simply "stop" without having other tools to replace it.

### 2. Practical First Steps
*   **Safety assessment:** Ask her if the wounds are currently treated. If they are deep, showing signs of infection, or were life-threatening, seek medical attention immediately. 
*   **Connect with a professional:** You don't have to carry this burden alone. You need to get her to a therapist who specializes in self-harm (forms of therapy like DBT—Dialectical Behavior Therapy—are highly effective for this). Call your pediatrician for a referral, or check your insurance provider’s list of mental health practitioners.
*   **Don't make it a "secret":** If she asks you not to tell anyone, tell her: *"I love you too much to keep this a secret if it means your safety is at risk. We are going to find a professional we can both talk to."*

### 3. What *Not* to Do
*   **Do not focus solely on the "scars":** Try not to inspect her body or demand she show you wounds constantly. This can feel like a violation of privacy and can increase the shame that often drives the behavior. Focus on the *feelings* behind the actions, not just the physical act.
*   **Do not act as her therapist:** Be her parent. Support her, love her, and facilitate professional help, but let a trained therapist handle the clinical side of her mental health.
*   **Do not shame her:** Avoid using language like "attention-seeking." Even if the behavior is a way of communicating a need, that need is valid.

### 4. Take Care of Yourself
You cannot pour from an empty cup. This is traumatic for a parent. 
*   If you find yourself becoming hyper-vigilant or constantly anxious, consider speaking to a therapist yourself. 
*   Lean on a partner or a trusted friend, but ensure you are protecting your daughter’s privacy.

### When to Seek Emergency Help
You should go to the nearest Emergency Room or call/text a crisis line if:
*   The injuries are severe or require stitches.
*   She talks about wanting to end her life or having a specific plan.
*   She seems completely emotionally unreachable or in a state of dissociative crisis.

**Critical Resources:**
*   **Crisis Text Line:** Text **HOME** to **741741**. This connects you with a crisis counselor. It is free, 24/7, and confidential.
*   **988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:** You can call or text **988** anytime in the US and Canada for immediate support.

**Remember:** You are not a failure as a parent. The fact that she came to you is proof that you have created a foundation of trust. Take this one step, one hour, and one day at a time. Professional help is the most important component to moving forward.