Social Story: Self-Harm | Making Safe & Healthy Choices

The sad reality is some of our students, in their already vulnerable state, lack the necessary coping mechanisms to manage strong behaviour, emotions and feelings, and events in their lives, and will choose to Self-Harm or Self-Injure in order to cope.

This is a Social Story meant to help children and youth to navigate and deal with Self-Harm/Self-Injury, by Choosing Safe and Healthy Alternatives, instead. This social story validates the student’s emotions, by acknowledging their desire to self-harm, but stresses that these are harmful choices, and that there are some very healthy and effective alternative behaviours that can keep them safe, while getting them the help they need. In addition to suggested strategies, there is a page for the student to list their own personal strategies, as well.

This is an important topic that warrants a frank discussion, and I hope this social story helps get the message across to youth, whether they be higher functioning or more developmentally vulnerable.

This 8-page social story is in PDF, 8.5 x 11 inch format, and so can easily be printed and/or laminated. It is presented in a simple and visual format, and can be used across all ages and developmental levels.

I have personally used it in individual and group format, in elementary and special needs junior high/high school classrooms. I hope it helps you, help your students!

I always appreciate feedback and comments, so please feel free to leave your opinions and suggestions! Thank you.