How to look after yourself

 

Responding to students who self-injure can be stressful, confusing, and emotionally draining, and many teachers and other school staff can be left feeling anxious, saddened, and frustrated after talking to students who self-injure. If a student discloses to you that they have self-injured, or you suspect that a student has self-injured, it is important for you to protect your own health and wellbeing, while also protecting the health and wellbeing of students who self-injure.

 

This can be achieved by:

• Following the school’s policy for responding to students who self-injure.

• Referring students who self-injure or are suspected of self-injuring to the school counsellor (if available) or the school principal, in accordance with your school’s policy.

• Debriefing with the school counsellor (if available) or the school principal to discuss your feelings and reactions.

• Take time out for yourself.

• Do things that you enjoy. Try something new.

• Take 10 slow, deep breaths.

• Go for a walk.

• Try meditation or relaxation exercises.

• Seeking support for yourself from family, friends, or crisis help lines and websites (e.g., Lifeline 13 11 14).

• Seeking professional help for yourself from a trained mental health professional.