Even trained doctors, nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists can have an unsympathetic reaction to self-injury. It is not surprising that even professionals may feel repulsed by what seems like an unnatural act. Though destructive in nature, self-injury must first be understood as the coping mechanism it often represents before a sympathetic response can be reached.
First, give yourself a break. Remember that even mental health professionals may struggle with an initial sense of discomfort when confronted with this behavior. Allow yourself a moment to acknowledge those feelings. Then, remind yourself of the complicated nature of self-injury. Students who engage in this behavior have often experienced significant difficulties in their life histories, and self-injury has become an effective—though harmful—coping strategy for them. Approach the student with respectful curiosity and a listening ear. Avoid judgment, and resist the urge to simply tell them to stop.
“…It is recommended that responses to NSSI convey a low-key, dispassionate demeanor, as emotion-laden reactions may leave the student feeling embarrassed and apprehensive about seeking help in the future. Professionals working with these youth are therefore strongly advised not to overreact or underreact to a student’s NSSI.”
Quote: Shapiro, Heath, and Robers, 2013 Citing Walsh (2006) and Walsh and Muehlenkamp (2013). From School Psychology Forum, Research in Practice: Nonsuicidal Self-Injury.
For more detailed guidance, view “Talking to students about self-injury”
by The International Consortium on Self-Injury in Educational Settings