Post on 22-Feb-2016
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Self-Injury : Cutting
A Workshop For Teachers
What is self-injury?Typically refers to injuries administered
directly to one’s own body such as cutting, burning, pulling out hair, scratching, hitting, or bashing, and swallowing dangerous objects. (Failler A. University of Winnipeg)
1. What is the most common form of deliberate self-injury?
Cutting
What is cutting?Cutting is defined as the intentional harm to
one’s body, in which cuts or scratches are imposed upon the skin using sharp objects.
Why is cutting an important issue for teachers to be informed of?It is very likely that in only a few years of
teaching several of your students will display this harmful behaviour.
Cutting has become more prominent in adolescents within the past few years. (Possibly due to the media)
Not Alone
Lind
say
Loha
nFiona Apple
Brody
Dalle
Johnny Depp
Rickey
Edwards
Collin Farrell
Prin
cess
D
iana
The list goes on…
2. How many high school students
display this behaviour?
11-20%
3. On average, what is the age category in which students would have their first incident of deliberate self-injury?
11-15 years
Who is Cutting?Cutting is primarily evident in
adolescentsHas been observed in children as
young as 6 yearsThe behaviour often carries on into
adulthood
4. Deliberate self-injury is more common among female students.
True
Why are adolescents cutting?It is often attributed to a lack of coping skills
and is used as a coping mechanism to provide temporary relief of anxiety, depression, stress, etc.
After the skin is cut, the brain releases endorphins which act as the body’s natural pain reliever and temporarily reduces both pain and emotional distress. Because of this result, cutting can then become a physical addiction.
5. Students who deliberately self- injure, are usually suicidal?
False
Indications That Your Students May Be Cutting
Students wearing long sleeves and long pants in warm weather
Unexplained cuts or slash marks on skinMood swings (emotional highs and lows)Students displaying low self esteem and
energy levels
Let’s Discuss! As teachers, how do
you foresee yourselves dealing with a student who has told you they are cutting them self?
As a student who may be using this coping mechanism, how would you want the issue dealt with by your teacher?
What Can Teachers Do?Do’sConsider the issue serious,
you are NOT overreacting but approach the issue calmly
Acknowledge the student’s feelings and make yourself available to listen
Contact the school counsellor who will then decide if parents should be notified.
Offer to go with the student to see the counsellor or any other mental health professional.
Don’ts• Try and talk the student
out of it – you are NOT the expert.• Try to keep the
information about a self-injuring student to yourself just to honour confidentiality.• Say /do anything to
cause the student guilt/shame (ie “What did you do to yourself!?”)• Discuss the topic in
group settings
Developmental TheoryBrandy’s talk about developmental theory
BF Skinner“Skin” is barrier/tie between internal and
external pain
As teachers, the best thing we can do is be aware and quick to refer for help.
Additional Resources Kids Health:
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/cutting.html
PBS -The Emotional Life (3 episodes):http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/series
To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA):http://www.twloha.com/
Mental Health Line: 1-800-779-5057Distress Line: 780-482-4357Crisis Response Line:780-482-0222