I'm a psych nurse with a history of mental health issues.
Hi everyone, trigger warnings right away are suicide attempts and self harm.
So I am a new pediatric nurse and I got a job on a floor that isn't strictly a psychiatric floor. When I took the job I didn't know how many psych patients I would see. Honestly I am not sure if I would have taken it if I had known.
I have a history of depression and a whole host of other things. I went through a really rough patch a few years ago when I was 20. I picked up old habits and I started cutting again. I was in such a rough place that I dont blame myself for what I did, but it has put me in a difficult place now. I have quite a few scars on my arms. They arent the most obvious, but they are obvious enough. Especially to someone struggling with the same thing as well.
I frequently admit kids on night shift that have attempted suicide that night. They are in such a horrible place mentally. I want to support them as much as possible, but I'm not quite sure how. So far I have not worn short sleeves at work, I do wear short sleeves out in public and around friends and family now. But I just don't know if I it would be appropriate to wear them at work.
My question is would it be harmful for teenagers in a mental health crisis to see someone with self harm scars or would it be helpful? I don't want them to think that it is okay, but I also want them to know that I understand the place they are in.
Also if anyone has any advice or experience on how to best interact or support a teenager in a mental health crisis?