Social Story: When I Feel Like Harming Myself | Self-Harm Lesson

Social Story: When I Feel Like Harming Myself

Our children and students sometimes struggle with strong emotions, and even resort to wanting to harm themselves in order to cope with some of these feelings. This might include cutting, scraping, scratching, or other forms of self-harm. This social story focuses primarily on non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour. In other words, self-injury that causes harm, but not necessarily death. The lesson describes self-harm and talks through some of the common feelings that children and youth may have, as well as some helpful coping strategies and alternative behaviours that are healthier and safer.

Self-harm is an important topic that is often not addressed directly - out of fear and uncertainty. This social story aims to help in generating healthy discussion about self-harm with students, particularly those students who need visuals to aid in communication and comprehension.

This social story conveys these themes using practical examples, engaging visuals, and developmentally appropriate language. Students would benefit from having an adult guide them through this lesson to provide clarification and support along the way. We hope this social story will help you help the children and students you work with!

And remember, this resource is not a substitute for therapy or counseling, but merely an educational aid - should students require more intensive supports, please seek assistance from an adult or trained mental health professional.

What You Will Receive:
1 high-quality PDF file
8.5"x11" in size
13 Pages

How to Use:

1. After uploading product, save file to your device
2. Print either at home, or via local print provider or online print service
3. Bind, laminate, or place in duotang to use with your students

Personal Note:

Should you require a different file format or size, let us know and we can do this for you.

We love what we do and so would appreciate your feedback and review so we can continue to provide practical resources to our fellow educators.