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