Student Self-Injury

1. Student Self-Injury Joe Ray/Nancy Underwood Tombigbee Counseling Association September 30, 2011

2. Depression, Suicidal Tendencies, and Self-Injury • Causes • Obsessive Compulsions • Perfectionism (high expectations imposed by self and others) • Social isolation (not solitude) • Sensitivity/over-excitability • Existential depression

3. "The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive.  To him/her...  a touch is a blow,  a sound is a noise,  a misfortune is a tragedy,  a joy is an ecstasy,  a friend is a lover,  a lover is a god,  and failure is death. 

4. Acting It Out-It’s My Fault

5. Creative mind (continued) Add to this cruelly delicate organism the overpowering necessity to create, create, create - - - so that without the creating of music or poetry or books or buildings or something of meaning, his/her very breath is cut off from him/her. S/He must create, must pour out creation. By some strange, unknown, inward urgency s/he is not really alive unless s/he is creating."  -Pearl Buck- 

7. Misconceptions about Stress I can think myself out of feeling bad. I must be crazy for thinking/feeling the way I do. If I keep busy, I’ll eventually feel better about myself. If I tell anyone about how I feel, he/she won’t care, understand or support me. I need to handle these fears and problems by myself. (Asking for help = dumb, incompetent, …) It is not okay to cry.

8. Misconceptions (continued) If I can get through today, tomorrow is bound to be better. I should be able to figure things out by myself. Life is so serious. All I need is to be left alone for a while. I don’t have time to eat right, relax, or play. Other people know what is best for me.

9. Coping with Stress

10. Coping with Stress • Distraction (short term diversion) • Avoidance (distractions carried to an extreme) • Be careful with over doing it • Procrastination • Illness • Sleep • Withdrawal • Escape (avoidance carried to an extreme)

11. When You Can’t Cope Admit that you are in trouble – this is a sign that you are a psychologically strong person. Get another perspective. Cease negative coping behaviors. Reach out and trust someone. Plan to deal with personal issues. Be good to yourself. Believe in life’s goodness.

12. Stress

13. Counseling Goals Understanding of their strengths and weaknesses Self-acceptance and recognition of their limitations Commitment to nurturing their abilities Development of internal locus of control Acceptance of mistakes as learning experiences Conflict resolution skills

14. Counseling goals (continued) Problem-solving skills Awareness, understanding, and acceptance of others Communication skills Ability to be assertive rather than aggressive Interpersonal skills Leadership and decision-making skills Knowledge of stress reduction techniques Ability to view themselves and events with humor

15. Stress Test This is a simple test designed to indicate whether people have too much stress in their life. Below is a picture of two dolphins.  The two dolphins should appear normal when viewed by a stress-free individual.  This test is not accurate enough to pick up mild stress levels. Sit upright and view the screen head-on, take a deep breath, breathe out  and then look directly at the picture.   If there is anything out of the ordinary then you should consider taking things a little easier

17. If there was anything that appeared different about the dolphins (ignore the fact of the slight color differences) it is often an indication of potential stress related problems.   Differences, if any, may also indicate the source of your stress.

18. Stress Reduction Tips Think of times when you successfully coped with a difficult situation, person, or event Avoid alienating people around you (even if you erroneously believe they caused your stress) Find a sounding board If you don’t know how to relax, learn how (see handout) Develop and maintain your sense of humor

19. Tips (continued) • Compile a library of stress reduction techniques • Don’t give up: handling stress in on-going and long term endeavor • You don’t have to go it alone a supportive adult the public library a friendly neighbor a stress management class a teen clinic your favorite friend a crisis intervention ct a counselor an emergency hotline a teacher

20. Facts You Need to Know About Suicide • Suicide is 2nd highest killer of young people, 15-24 years old • Each year, estimated 500,000 youth attempt suicide • During next 10 years, suicide rate predicted to increase fastest among 10–14 yr. olds • Few suicides happen without some warning • Suicide is preventable • Intervene • Ask questions

21. Facts (continued) Talking about suicide won’t give teenagers ideas Suicide is not inherited Most suicidal people are not mentally ill People who talk about suicide commit suicide Suicide is not just a way to get attention Suicidal teens believe their problems are serious Many things lead up to a suicide

22. Facts (continued) No special type of people commit suicide People who attempt suicide are in most danger when they start to feel better A caring friend can make a difference

23. Warning Signs • Sudden Changes • Food • Sleep • Grades • Appearance • Activity • Withdrawal • Significant loss • Tying up loose ends • Aggression, rebellion, disobedience • Self destructive behavior, risk taking • Loss of self esteem

24. From Dictionary of Symbols by Jack Tressider(1997) San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books

26. Peace Signs • Discuss with students what they do to bring peace into their lives • Discuss symbols for “peace” • Draw words pictures in 4 areas to represent your “Peace Signs” • Write about your “Peaceful Signs” on the circle

28. Thank you for attending today