I want to talk to my teacher about a few things that have happened in the past that have been bothering me lately, things mostly revolving around family and friends. I have friends I could talk with about this, but they aren’t the type of friends that take what I say seriously. During the end of the school year she noticed that something was going on with me because I was acting different and doing things that I normally didn't do, or I would be a lot more angry and sad then usual and asked me what was wrong a few times. I never told her because i was scared i guess.
What would you do if a student told you about how they used to cut themselves [& that they could maybe start again] and how they almost tried suicide once, but didn’t because a friend stopped them? Would you tell their parents?
And do you think it’s wrong to just tell her all these things, during the summer [I’m going to help her in school] since she doesn’t even have to really see me? How do i approach her with it?
Thanks
2007-07-05 07:18:24 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
I'm 14 going into the 9th grade... She was my 8th grade teacher.
2007-07-05 07:21:14 · update #1
I am not hurting myself and I won't commit suicide and I'm not suicidal... I just want to talk with her about it because there's nobody else I can really talk to and I been keeping stuff bottled up, which hasn't helped. The problems aren't things going on now. They're in the past, and it has to deal with family issues, not really issues with me and my parents. They're not abusive or anything like that, but they do tend to avoid talking about the issue I want to talk about with my teacher.
2007-07-05 07:38:19 · update #2
Teachers have a legal responsibility to report anything about a child that they deem to be harmful to the student.
If you have been cutting or attempting to end your life, it's going to be a lot more then just your teacher can handle. While she will be more then willing to listen to any and all of your problems and definitely want to help you sort through things, she's also got a responsibility to uphold because she is an authority figure in your life.
Take things slow with her, let her know a few things that have happened that you know she wouldn't need to bring in an outside party...feel her out first. Then, once you have established that relationship, take it a bit further. Teachers want to help, and want their students to succeed not only at school, but in life, so let her in, but don't be afraid if she does need to bring in outside help for your particular situation because maybe she'll be able to help refer you to a trusted person that you can discuss things further with and in more depth.
My last thought on this is, if it's a matter of you not thinking your parents will understand or you don't want to hurt their feelings...you need to get over that quickly. Parents will feel more hurt that you couldn't come to them first with your problems to help sort them out. Unless they are the source of the problems you are encountering, I would do the same thing with them that I suggested with your teacher...feel them out with the small stuff...work up to the big stuff.
And whatever you do, remember, you are here for a reason...you are an important part of somebody else's life. You may not see it right now, but there is somebody in your life who looks up to you. There's always somebody that does.
2007-07-05 07:34:03 · answer #1 · answered by anon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So, what you're basically saying is that you have a problem and you need a lot of help with it, but you would really like to keep it away from the people who can actually help you? I understand that you don't want your parents to find out, but there is no reason for that kind of thinking. Your parents need to find out or you can't be helped... there is nothing that anyone else can do without them.
You need to tell your parents yourself, and if you can't, then yes, tell your teacher and they will figure out a good way to tell your parents. You need help, and they are the ones that will give it to you. Stop worrying about *how* they will help you and be open about your issues with everyone.
You're making your cry for help in the wrong place. Get off the net and talk to some adults about this. They will help you... they won't hurt you... you have nothing to worry about. Talk about this right away.
2007-07-05 07:28:24 · answer #2 · answered by polly_peptide 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost, you need to talk to someone about this who can help you, a teacher seems like a good point to start if you have that kind of a relationship with them, or any other adult who can get you help. A teacher is allowed to keep your confidence, unless there is danger to either you or someone else, in that case, they are *required* to do something about it. They do not have to tell your parents (although this is what they could do) -- however, if your problem is stemming from the fact that you are having issues with your parents, this is probably not the course they would follow. I would talk to the school counselor about the issue, and refer it to someone who can help.
Regarding the fact that it is summer vacation, it depends entirely on the teacher in question and their relationship with you. If that person is the person with whom you feel the most comfortable, then you should talk to them, however, remember that the teacher will not be the person who can help you, they will have to refer you to someone who specializes in these issues.
You can cut out the middleman... If you do a quick web search or look in your local phone book, you will find a number of telephone services that you can call (usually toll free) to talk to someone about your problems. They will be able to refer you to someone who can help you out.
2007-07-05 07:30:38 · answer #3 · answered by Paul H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you tell a teacher what you have told us, that teacher is required to speak to your parents since you are a minor. You obviously trust this teacher very much to be comfortable sharing your problems with her; it also sounds like she is perceptive enough to know you are unhappy.
Do you want your parents to know these things? Perhaps your teacher could arrange a meeting between herself, you, a school counselor, and your parents. Cutting, and suicidal thoughts, is not something a 14-year-old girl (or anyone of any age) should have to face alone. Your teacher/school counselor should encourage your parents to send you to a counselor, who can evaluate you to decide whether you may need medication.
Do not try to face this alone. If you don't talk to your teacher, talk to another responsible adult.
2007-07-05 07:32:14 · answer #4 · answered by july 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd suggest you talk with ANY adult.
One thing you want to know is that your teachers are trained in teaching you the subjects they specialize in. While many will be happy to listen to you and try to help you, that is not what they are trained to do.
A better thing to do is to speak with your guidance counselor. They are trained in helping you with problems, personal or academic.
The worst thing to do is to do nothing.
Even better thing to do is to talk to your parents. (Unless THAT is your problem)
If you are particularly comfortable with your teacher, then go talk to her. She will know what you can do next, if she cannot help you personally.
2007-07-05 07:30:47 · answer #5 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is something dangerous that is happening to a student you must report it to the parents!!!!
2007-07-05 07:22:49 · answer #6 · answered by Alaska 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, im not a teacher but... A teacher has to tell your parents if your harming yourself. They will recomend consuling.
2007-07-05 07:25:36 · answer #7 · answered by Rip_City_Uprise! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋