As a student completing my clinical experiences, I often meet amazing patients who find themselves in difficult circumstances. It is as if they have come face to face with a tornado. This happens often enough that I decided to write a blog about how one might begin to see the tornado for what it is and realize that they get to choose how they will face their difficult circumstances.

Tornadoes arise quickly and often when we least expect them! It is the same thing with difficult circumstances. Whether it’s a health issue or other unexpected circumstances, that tornado can leave us feeling overwhelmed or helpless. During these times, it might seem impossible to find a way to move forward. One thing that seems simple but can help, is choosing to sit with the present circumstance mindfully without judgement. “Okay. That is one large tornado! But I have a supportive family and health providers who are trained to walk alongside me through my challenges.” Reality, the tornado, is acknowledged for what it is while allowing space for self-compassion and acceptance.

Acceptance is acknowledging the situation without resistance. Can you imagine trying to resist, deny, or control a tornado? That would be impossible. It is the same thing with a difficult circumstance. Resisting, denying, or trying to control it may lead to increased emotional suffering. Accepting the tornado, the difficult circumstance, for what it is allows us to shift our focus to “Now what will I choose to do? There’s a tornado. What can I control?” This perspective is empowering because it helps us think of proactive steps we CAN take.  Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help ground us in the present moment, allowing us to deal with negative emotions.

Acceptance of the tornado we are facing can significantly improve our mental well-being. Biehler and colleagues found that people who practice acceptance as a coping mechanism experience less emotional distress and greater resilience when facing difficult situations. Rather than avoid our experiences and emotions, acknowledging the tornado before us creates space to heal and accept the situation. 

Additionally, acceptance of the tornado involves cultivating self-compassion. Life’s tornadoes are typically out of our control. It’s okay to have self-compassion during difficult circumstances. Self-compassion allows us to navigate difficult circumstances and the complex emotions that accompany them. Suffering is a universal experience. Rather than avoiding tornadoes that show up in our lives, understanding them allows us to feel less isolated and more in control of our struggles. Seeking help from health professionals and counselors while gaining support from friends and others going through similar situations can foster a sense of connection and help process emotions associated with difficult circumstances.

 

There is help. There is hope. If you or someone you love is going through a difficult circumstance, contact the Crisis Lifeline at 988 or dial or text #988. 

The life of a first-generation student is a triumphant one!

Hold on, before you continue. I must introduce myself. My name is Kayla Vargas. In this blog, I’ll tell you my story as a first-generation student.

The life of a first-generation student is a triumphant one but sometimes it can feel isolating.

“How is it?” A question I’ve been asked a hundred times for various reasons. The frequency of this question increased when I started college, especially from my family members who never went to college. Typically, this question refers to my experience in the nursing program. My response is usually something like, “Oh, you know. It’s just regular college, just significantly harder.” It’s kind of ironic to say “you know” to the people who “don’t know” what it’s like. However, all I can do is shrug my shoulders and respond vaguely. Truth is, I don’t know how to explain my experience to them. 

Congratulations to Kevin Bryant, DNP, BSN, on his graduation from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing (CON) with his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Dr. Bryant’s project, “The Impact of an Educational Training to Front-line Nurses and Providers to Reduce Seclusion and Restraint: Assessing Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes” explores effect of web-based educational intervention on front-line nurses knowledge, practices, and attitudes concerning use of seclusion and restraint of patients within psychiatric in-patient facilities. Dr. Bryant is Director of Inpatient Services at Eastern State Hospital (ESH). 

Congratulations to Johna Arnett, DNP, RN, on her graduation from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing (CON) with her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Dr. Arnett’s project, “The Impact a Nurse Recruiter has on Nursing Staff Shortages and Nurse Manager Satisfaction in an Acute Psychiatric Facility” explores the impact of a nurse recruiter role in addressing nursing staff shortages and nurse manager satisfaction within an acute psychiatric facility. Dr. Arnett is a Nurse Manager at Eastern State Hospital (ESH). 

Congratulations to Michele Van Outer, DNP, BSN, on her graduation from the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Nursing (CON) with her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Dr. Van Outer’s project, “Improving Structural Empowerment Through the Co-Creation of a Professional Governance Program of Nurse Managers and Frontline Nurse Leaders” aims to uncover the potential benefits of a collaborative approach on staff members’ patient care outcomes. Dr. Van Outer serves as a Nurse Manager at Eastern State Hospital (ESH). 

March is designated as Self-Injury Awareness Month to highlight self-injury which is often misunderstood, not discussed, or simply suppressed. It can be difficult to understand self-injury and it is a challenging topic for many to discuss. So, we welcome you to delve deeper into this topic with us.  

This blog is dedicated to casting light on this misunderstood and stigmatized issue by providing insights, resources, and support for those who may be struggling with self-harm or are seeking guidance on how to help loved ones struggling with self-injury.

With Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) being a pervasive global public health issue, it is important that this topic be brought out of silence. According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), more than one in five adults in the U.S. live with mental illness and over one in five youth either currently struggle or have previously struggled with mental illness. While NSSI is most common among adolescents (15-20%), around 6% of adults also face the challenge of self-injury (Klonsky, 2014).

What is Self-Injury 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), also referred to as self-harm, is when an individual attempts to cause harm or potential injury to their body on purpose but without intending to cause death. Those who struggle with NSSI are at a higher risk of attempting suicide and dying by suicide if they do not receive help. In fact, studies have shown that NSSI is one of the strongest longitudinal predictors of future suicide attempts, even stronger than the predictive strength of prior suicide attempts (Wang et. al, 2024).

Understanding Self-Injury

The first important step to understanding self-injury is to recognize what motivates someone to engage in self-harm. There are different reasons for NSSI, so the best way to assist someone is to address what the underlying issue is. 

Those who struggle with self-harm may use it to control negative feelings, dissociate from emotional pain, and cope with stress. A study noted that 85% of participants cited that their most common reason for self-injury was to release emotional pressure and that the next most common reasons were to control negative feelings and get rid of intolerable emotions (Klonsky, 2009).

Forms of Self-Injury

Individuals cope through various types of self-harm. Some might be easier to spot, while others may not be as noticeable. Recognizing different methods and signs of self-harm can help provide better support to those who are struggling. 

Examples of Self-Harm:

• Cutting one’s skin with a sharp object
• Piercing one’s skin with sharp objects
• Hitting or punching oneself or punching things
• Burning oneself with cigarettes, matches, or candles
• Breaking bones or bruising oneself
• Scratching or picking scabs to prevent wounds from healing
• Pulling out one’s hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows with the intention of hurting oneself
• Inserting objects into one's body 

Signs of Self-Harm:

• Scars
• Wearing long sleeves or pants, even in hot weather
• Talking about feeling worthless or helpless
• Fresh cuts, bruises, bite marks, or burns
• Keeping sharp objects on hand
• Frequent reports of accidental injury
• Emotional and behavioral instability and unpredictability
• The most common target areas of the body for self-harm are the arms, legs, chest, and stomach. Although these are the most vulnerable to enduring self-injury, any part of the body can be harmed through various methods. 

Breaking the stigma on the topic of self-injury is important for the well-being of those who struggle with it and to promote advocacy, understanding, and empathy within our communities. By discussing the challenges of self-harm and how to identify warning signs, we can create a safe space where individuals feel more empowered to seek help. As we continue to educate ourselves and support those who self-harm, we break down barriers to healing and foster recovery. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing or considering self-injury, please dial 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. There is hope. There is help.

The Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) research team exists to promote behavioral health and wellness among individuals facing behavioral health challenges. To learn more about BH WELL, visit our website. Interested in more evidence-based, free mental and behavioral health resources? Follow us @ukbhwell on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.