Transcript Gifted Students Self- Injurry Joe Ray and Nancy Underwood MAGC, 2009

Gifted Students SelfInjurry
Joe Ray and Nancy Underwood
MAGC, 2009
Depression, Suicidal Tendencies,
and Self-Injury

Causes
Obsessive Compulsions
 Perfectionism (high expectations imposed by self
and others)
 Social isolation (not solitude)
 Sensitivity/over-excitability
 Existential depression

"The truly creative mind in any field is no
more than this: A human creature born
abnormally, inhumanly sensitive.
To him/her...
a touch is a blow,
a sound is a noise,
a misfortune is a tragedy,
a joy is an ecstasy,
a friend is a lover,
a lover is a god,
and failure is death.
Creative mind (continued)
Add to this cruelly delicate organism the
overpowering necessity to create, create,
create - - - so that without the creating of
music or poetry or books or buildings or
something of meaning, his/her very breath
is cut off from him/her. S/He must create,
must pour out creation. By some strange,
unknown, inward urgency s/he is not really
alive unless s/he is creating." -Pearl Buck-
Misconceptions about Stress






I can think myself out of feeling bad.
I must be crazy for thinking/feeling the way I do.
If I keep busy, I’ll eventually feel better about
myself.
If I tell anyone about how I feel, he/she won’t care,
understand or support me.
I need to handle these fears and problems by
myself. (Asking for help = dumb, incompetent, …)
It is not okay to cry.
Misconceptions (continued)






If I can get through today, tomorrow is bound
to be better.
I should be able to figure things out by myself.
Life is so serious.
All I need is to be left alone for a while.
I don’t have time to eat right, relax, or play.
Other people know what is best for me.
Coping with Stress
Coping with Stress


Distraction (short term diversion)
Avoidance (distractions carried to an extreme)
Be careful with over doing it
 Procrastination
 Illness
 Sleep
 Withdrawal


Escape (avoidance carried to an extreme)
When You Can’t Cope







Admit that you are in trouble – this is a sign that
you are a psychologically strong person.
Get another perspective.
Cease negative coping behaviors.
Reach out and trust someone.
Plan to deal with personal issues.
Be good to yourself.
Believe in life’s goodness.
Stress
Counseling Goals





Understanding of their strengths and
weaknesses
Self-acceptance and recognition of their
limitations Commitment to nurturing their
abilities
Development of internal locus of control
Acceptance of mistakes as learning experiences
Conflict resolution skills
Counseling goals (continued)








Problem-solving skills
Awareness, understanding, and acceptance of
others
Communication skills
Ability to be assertive rather than aggressive
Interpersonal skills
Leadership and decision-making skills
Knowledge of stress reduction techniques
Ability to view themselves and events with
humor
Stress Test



This is a simple test designed to indicate
whether people have too much stress in their
life.
Below is a picture of two dolphins. The two
dolphins should appear normal when viewed by
a stress-free individual. This test is not accurate
enough to pick up mild stress levels.
Sit upright and view the screen head-on, take a
deep breath, breathe out and then look directly
at the picture. If there is anything out of the
ordinary then you should consider taking things
a little easier
If there was anything that appeared different
about the dolphins (ignore the fact of the
slight color differences) it is often an
indication of potential stress related
problems.
 Differences, if any, may also indicate the
source of your stress.

Stress Reduction Tips
(The Gifted Kids Survival Guide)





Think of times when you successfully coped
with a difficult situation, person, or event
Avoid alienating people around you (even if you
erroneously believe they caused your stress)
Find a sounding board
If you don’t know how to relax, learn how (see
handout)
Develop and maintain your sense of humor
Tips (continued)



Compile a library of stress reduction techniques
Don’t give up: handling stress in on-going and
long term endeavor
You don’t have to go it alone
a supportive adult
a friendly neighbor
a teen clinic
a crisis intervention ct
an emergency hotline
the public library
a stress management class
your favorite friend
a counselor
a teacher of the gifted
Facts You Need to Know About
Suicide

Suicide is 2nd highest killer of young people, 1524 years old
Each year, estimated 500,000 youth attempt suicide
 During next 10 years, suicide rate predicted to
increase fastest among 10–14 yr. olds



Few suicides happen without some warning
Suicide is preventable
Intervene
 Ask questions

Facts (continued)







Talking about suicide won’t give teenagers ideas
Suicide is not inherited
Most suicidal people are not mentally ill
People who talk about suicide commit suicide
Suicide is not just a way to get attention
Suicidal teens believe their problems are serious
Many things lead up to a suicide
Facts (continued)



No special type of people commit suicide
People who attempt suicide are in most danger
when they start to feel better
A caring friend can make a difference
Warning Signs

Sudden Changes







Food
Sleep
Grades
Appearance
Activity
Withdrawal
Significant loss




Tying up loose ends
Aggression, rebellion,
disobedience
Self destructive
behavior, risk taking
Loss of self esteem
Peace Signs




Discuss with students what they do to bring
peace into their lives
Discuss symbols for “peace”
Draw words pictures in 4 areas to represent your
“Peace Signs”
Write about your “Peaceful Signs” on the circle
From Dictionary of Symbols by Jack Tressider
(1997) San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books