When a person intentionally
hurts him/herself without suicidal
intent.
Ex. cutting, scratching, burning,
biting, ripping/pulling hair,
bruising, swallowing toxic
substances….
DANGERS:
-permanent scars, infections,
spreading diseases, not effective
in solving problems.
Self-Injury can last for weeks,
months, or years. For many it
goes in cycles: it is used for a
time, then stopped, then
resumed. (addictive?)
Estimates are that only about
10-15% of kids do it, usually
beginning between ages 12-15.
REASONS:
-difficulty coping with anxiety,
fear, anger, sadness, depression,
or stress.
-difficulty expressing feelings.
-feeling numbness emotionally.
-to feel in control of their bodies
or mind.
REASONS:
-Separation from someone you
love.
-Getting bullied or assaulted.
-Neglect.
-Physical violence, emotional
abuse or sexual abuse.
SIGNS OF SELF INJURY:
Cuts, scars, red marks, isolation
from friends, bruises…
HELPING YOURSELF:
-Use healthy coping methods
like: “walk it out, talk it out,
think it through, and laugh”:
Walk=sports,exercise,chop wood
Talk=friend,dog
Think=why?,journal
Laugh=fun!
-“I” statements.
-Practice behaviors that give a
feeling of control over your life.
-Exercise
-Art
-Music
-Tell an adult.
HELPING OTHERS:
-Be a good listener for
friends…tell them you care.
-Encourage them to join you in
fun activities.
-Go with them to the Guidance
Counselor.
FACTS ABOUT SELF-INJURY:
(based on Myths)
-Self-harm
is Not usually a failed
suicide attempt.
-People
who self-injure are Not
crazy and do not need to be locked
up.
-People
who self-harm are Not just
trying to get attention.
-Teen girls are Not the only ones
who self-injure, some boys do too.
-Self-harm Is serious, even if the
wounds aren't "bad enough“.
Hospitalization, even accidental death
can occur.
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.
DANGERS:
Self-strangulation kills brain cells,
and causes short term memory
loss, concussions, broken bones
from falling, seizures, stroke, and
death.
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…
Refusal Skills:
-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
Who should you tell?
Your parents
Your friend’s parents
Teacher
Guidance counselor
School administrator
Aunt/Uncle
Any responsible adult that you trust
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….
SITUATIONS:
• Read the situation.
• What signs indicate the individual self
harms?
• Describe what you could say to help the
person who self-injures. What helpful tips
could you suggest?
• Who else might be able to help this
person?