When a person intentionally When a person intentionally hurts him/herself without hurts him/herself without suicidal intent.suicidal intent.

Ex. cutting, scratching, Ex. cutting, scratching, burning, biting, burning, biting, ripping/pulling hair, bruising, ripping/pulling hair, bruising, swallowing toxic swallowing toxic substances….substances….

DANGERSDANGERS::

-permanent scars, infections, permanent scars, infections, spreading diseases, not spreading diseases, not effective in solving effective in solving problems.problems.

Self-Injury can last for Self-Injury can last for weeks, months, or years. weeks, months, or years. For many it goes in cycles: it For many it goes in cycles: it is used for a time, then is used for a time, then stopped, then resumed. stopped, then resumed. (addictive?)(addictive?)Estimates are that only Estimates are that only about 10-15% of kids do it, about 10-15% of kids do it, usually beginning between usually beginning between ages 12-15ages 12-15.

REASONS:REASONS:-difficulty coping with -difficulty coping with anxiety, fear, anger, anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, depression, or sadness, depression, or stress.stress.

-to feel in control of their -to feel in control of their bodies or mind.bodies or mind.

-difficulty expressing feelings.-difficulty expressing feelings.

-feeling numbness -feeling numbness emotionally.emotionally.

REASONS:REASONS:

-Physical violence, emotional -Physical violence, emotional abuse or sexual abuse.abuse or sexual abuse.

-Getting bullied or assaulted.-Getting bullied or assaulted.

-Neglect.-Neglect.

--Separation from someone Separation from someone you love.you love.

SIGNS OF SELF INJURY:SIGNS OF SELF INJURY:

Cuts, scars, red marks, Cuts, scars, red marks, isolation from friends, isolation from friends, bruises…bruises…

HELPING YOURSELF:HELPING YOURSELF:

-Use healthy coping methods -Use healthy coping methods like: “walk it out, talk it out, like: “walk it out, talk it out, think it through, and laugh”:think it through, and laugh”:

Walk=sports,exercise,chop wood Talk=friend,dog Think=why?,journal Laugh=fun!

-“I” statements.-“I” statements.

-Practice behaviors that give -Practice behaviors that give a feeling of control over your a feeling of control over your life.life. -Exercise-Exercise -Art-Art -Music-Music-Tell an adult.-Tell an adult.

HELPING OTHERS:HELPING OTHERS:

-Be a good listener for -Be a good listener for friends…tell them you care.friends…tell them you care.

-Go -Go with themwith them to the to the Guidance Counselor.Guidance Counselor.

-Encourage them to join you -Encourage them to join you in fun activities.in fun activities.

FACTS ABOUT SELF-INJURYFACTS ABOUT SELF-INJURY::(based on Myths)(based on Myths)

--Self-harm is Not usually a Self-harm is Not usually a failed suicide attempt. failed suicide attempt.

--People who self-injure are Not People who self-injure are Not crazy and do not need to be crazy and do not need to be locked up.locked up.

--People who self-harm are Not People who self-harm are Not just trying to get attention.just trying to get attention.

--Teen girls are Not the only Teen girls are Not the only ones who self-injure, some ones who self-injure, some boys do too. boys do too. --Self-harm Self-harm IsIs serious, even serious, even if the wounds aren't "bad if the wounds aren't "bad

enough“. Hospitalization, even accidental death can enough“. Hospitalization, even accidental death can occur.occur.

Choking Game PSA Choking Game PSA

The object is to cut off blood flow to the brain by applying pressure to the carotid artery causing the person to nearly, or completely pass out, then releasing the pressure allowing the “rush” of blood back into the brain causing a lightheaded feeling resembling a quick “high”.

But, when the blood rushes back to the brain, that is when it may cause a leak or bursting of a blood vessel called a stroke. Although you may not feel anything different later on, it may lead to headaches and even death within a few days.

Self-strangulation kills brain cells, and causes short term memory loss, concussions, broken bones from falling, seizures, stroke, and death.

DANGERS:DANGERS:

Deaths occur within 4-5 minutes of strangulation. When the person passes out, no one is there to remove the “noose” or revive them.

Even if someone else is there the person could still die. If that person is putting pressure on their neck and it affects a certain group of nerves, that can cause a heart attack.

So what, if it only affects me?

But it doesn’t. It also affects friends, parents, brothers/sisters, relatives, teammates…

-Say “No”-Use Humor- “No, I need all the brain cells I’ve got”-Walk Away-Give a reason or excuse-Strength in numbers- Hang out with kids who won’t do this-Avoid the situation- If you know kids that are doing it, don’t go with them-Leave the Door Open

Refusal Skills:

Who should you tell?

Your parentsYour friend’s parentsTeacherGuidance counselorSchool administratorAunt/UncleAny responsible adult that you trust

ALTERNATIVES?ALTERNATIVES?

Find other ways to feel “high” that are safe and healthy. Ex. Roll down a hill, spin around until dizzy, play sports or music, do anything you’re good at….

• Read the situation.Read the situation.

• What signs indicate the individual self What signs indicate the individual self harms?harms?

• Describe what you could say to help Describe what you could say to help the person who self-injures. What the person who self-injures. What helpful tips could you suggest?helpful tips could you suggest?

• Who else might be able to help this Who else might be able to help this person?person?

SITUATIONSSITUATIONS::