Teachers: How would you have reacted?

Question

This happened in my class today ...

This one girl in my class (we're high school juniors) had been gone from school for three days. The day she came back, my teacher asked her where she'd been and the girl said that she was in the emergency room. My teacher got all shocked and was like "Oh my God are you okay?! What happened?" And the girl said "I'm fine now ... It was a suicide attempt, I slit my wrists .. but it didn't work." My teacher just kind of stared at her, completely shocked ... it was NOT pretty.

How would you have reacted?

Answer 1

I would question her honesty.  I don't think they would have released in 4 days, but even so, that isn't something you would usually just blurt out so easily unless you were trying to be funny or get attention.

Answer 2

actualy they do just let them out my sister slit her wrist once and took a **** load of pills the pumped her stomache stiched her up n sat in the hospital for like 4 days and then back to school she did have to go to some counceling but that was it.

Answer 3

I wouldn't have let the class focus on that.  I'd have said "well I'm very glad to see you back in the class with us" and moved on and re-directed immediately.  I would also ask her to stay after and chat with her a little about that.  Then, of course, I would be required to tell the counselor what was said to me, the comment about having attempted suicide.

Answer 4

Seems more likely she was seeking attention. i would have made sure the school counselor knew about it.

Answer 5

I'm not sure how I would have reacted at that time.  That's pretty shocking.  However, after thinking about it for a while, I'd say the girl's a liar.  She was in the emergency room for 3 days?  No.  She'd still be in a juvenile psychiatric hospital of some sort.  They don't just let teens who attempt suicide out and back in school.  She'd need in-patient treatment.

Answer 6

talk to shcool  office  or  mother  or dad

Answer 7

I would discuss the situation with the principal and the school counselor.  I would also call the parents. I would go from there. Perhaps a meeting could be set up, or we could help the family find avenues of support.

Answer 8

Yeah...I think I would have done something similar matey.  That is a horrific thing to hear about your students.  It really is.  Cause as much as you don't think it, your teachers actually care A LOT about you and your safety.  Think about it, they spend more time with you in a week than some kids parents do.  They teach you things you will retain for the rest of your life.  They, to some extent, help mold you.

And to hear that one of you students, who you care deeply about, tried to kill themselves.  Well...that's got to gut you.

She could have dealt with it better, but in retrospect we all can.  You should be grateful your teachers care that much about you.  It is scary to think that someone you spend so much time with could be capable of doing something so violent and final, when you view them as a child.  It is honest to goodness, scare your pants clear off your legs frightening.  

(hope your mate gets better love.  that sucks for you too)

Answer 9

Of course she (he) was shocked!  The teacher tried to show care and concern and the response she received was certainly not what she may have expected.  Sadly, in our world today, the idea may have crossed her mind as to whether or not that was true.  If it was, she probably stood silent instead of making a reply that would have been damaging to the student.  How would I have reacted - I would have told the student I was sad to hear that and that I would be glad to be someone that they could talk to if ever I could be helpful to her and I would remind her that I cared and then move on - without adding any more attention to her unfortunate decision.  A look to a "positive" future by moving forward even with thoughts is important and can be beneficial.