|
![]() ![]() |
Teachers.Net Gazette Vol.6 No.7 | July 2009 |
![]() Subscribe for free home delivery |
|
![]() Self-Injury In Children ![]() Self-injurers come from a broad spectrum of social, economic and racial groups. They can range from being perfectionists to school dropouts. However, they usually have experienced as young children, abuse, neglect, violence, or trauma such as the death of a loved one or involvement in a car accident. They can be males or females, although most are females in their teens or older. Learn to recognize, understand and help children who inflict injury upon themselves. ![]() | ||
by Leah Davies, M.Ed. www.kellybear.com Continued from page 1 July 1, 2009 |
||
![]() |
||
![]() Some adults dismiss self-injurers as manipulators and attention seekers, but self-abuse is most often a hidden, secret problem. A myth is that self-abusers want to commit suicide. In fact, the opposite is true. The cutting helps them relieve emotions that might lead to suicide. However, a serious concern is that cutters risk danger each time they injure themselves. They may misjudge the depth of a cut or the wound may become infected. If individuals who self-harm do not receive professional help, they may develop an addiction. Cutting or other self-injuries can be stopped, but the process usually takes a long time. A referral to a therapist who has expertise in this area typically needs to be made. Through therapy the self-injurers learn that is it okay to feel a variety of emotions and how to express them openly. A therapist teaches them alternative behaviors so that they can release their tension in harmless ways. Methods a therapist might share include relaxation and breathing techniques, meditation, exercise, art, writing, or singing. Support groups may also be beneficial. The self-injurer needs to understand the underlying motives for their behavior and take responsibility for, and control over, their actions. What can parents and teachers do?
Editor's Note For additional information on self-mutilation, check out the following articles on the Guidance Channel: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||
|