Common MISCONCEPTIONS about teens who engage in self harm:

The only reason I harm myself is because I want to kill myself I enjoy self-harming I harm because I want attention

What MIGHT have caused a teen to start self-harming?

To seek help Been bullied or discriminated against To escape unbearable anguish Lost someone close to them, like a family member or a friend Broken up with a boyfriend or girlfriend Has been physically or sexually abused To change the behaviour of others To show desperation to others To gain relief of tension To get back at other people or make them feel guilty Has experienced a serious illness or disability that affects the way they feel about themselves Has experienced or is currently experiencing problems with family, school or peer groups.

As a teacher/counsellor, what can I do to help?

If you see visible signs of self-harm (e.g. cuts on arms or legs): Do not ignore them Avoid expressing a strong negative reaction to the injury Do not trivialise the feelings or situations that have caused the teen to self-harm Do not punish the person, especially by threatening to withdraw care

As a teacher/counsellor, I need to reflect on my own state of mind first!

If you witness an act of self-harm: Discuss it calmly with the teen Act in a supportive and non-judgemental way Remain calm and avoid expressions of shock or anger Express concern for the persons wellbeing Ask whether you can do anything to alleviate the distress Ask if any medical attention is needed.

Is the self-injury is life-threatening, you MUST call emergency services!

Can I be calm enough to talk to a teen who has selfharmed? If not, I need to refer the teen to someone who can!

Encourage them to:

Talk to some-one they trust the next time they feel the urge to self-harm Seek professional mental health care

Ensure that they know where help can be found, but do not force them to use it if they are unwilling Ensure that adequate first-aid supplies are accessible to the person

List of Websites
www.livingisforeveryone.com.au A site that builds community capacity for suicide prevention www.beyondblue.org.au An Australian site with information on depression www.depressionet.com.au An on-line Australian resource on depression www.kidshelp.com.au A site offering telephone and email counselling for young people www.mhfs.com.au A guide on mental health first aid for carers www.justlook.org.au A large online national database of low cost or free health and community services throughout Australia www.livingworks.org.au A site that provides training for all kinds of caregivers, increasing their ability to reach out to a person at risk www.reachout.com.au Information about suicide prevention for young people, families, communities and professionals www.suicideinfo.ca Suicide Information and Education Centre (SIEC)