Web Resources - Session 2

Session 2: Critical Skills For Tackling The Tough Stuff

Did you know? 

The Simplified Chinese word for "Crisis" translates

"Danger Opportunity"

Prepare to be emotionally ambushed

Be a shepherd

Family Distress

Where do you start?

1. Be aware of the fallout from disruption in the family

• Insecurity
• Guilt
• Distrust
• Lowered Expectations

2. Recognize that you're a role model
3. Remind kids that it's not their fault
4. Provide encouragement and resources for kids and parents

Above all else, let's remember this...  Our commitment to modeling healthy dating, marriage and family relationships may be one of the most significant gifts we offer students.

Addictions

The essence of addiction is... "uncontrollable, compulsive drug seeking and use, even in the face of negative health and social consequences" - Alan Leschner

Where do you start?

1. Understand what drives involvement

Curious

Pressured

Escape

Modeled for Them

Disinhibiting

2. Don't focus on addictive behaviors
3. Empower/equip those who care to help

Above all else, let's remember this... Addictive behaviors are rooted in pain.  Help kids address the pain. 

Cutting

The big question is why?

Why do kids self-injure?  Many reasons are given but in the end they all boil down to some version of one single reason:  Emotional Management

Where do you start?

1. Understand that cutters "cut" to live not to die!
2. Refer to a trained professional
3. Be a shepherd

Above all else, let's remember this... Self injury does not happen in a vacuum.  It is driven by a massive amount of pain.  Simply changing the behavior will not solve the underlying issues of deep hurt

Suicide

Where do you start?

1. Ask the hard question
2. Assess the level of risk

How Specific is the plan?

How Lethal is the method?

How Available is the method?

What is the Proximity to help?

3. Refer to a trained professional
4. Engage in a contract for life
5. Provide ongoing support

Care for survivors

Deal with the skeleton

Provide resources

Be present

Above all else, let's remember this... If you have any suspicion that a student might be contemplating suicide - don't hesitate to ask.