[~Divergent~]

Hi, Zara.

It's awesome that you want to ask your teacher for help and you should be so proud of yourself. Reaching out for help is the first step to being happier, and a teacher is often a good person to go to. I like the suggestion others gave you to write him a letter, since it's often easier than talking face to face. If you'd rather talk to him in person, though (because it really depends on the person/situation), then you could just go talk to him during a free block of time or you could write him a note saying that you'd like to talk about something personal. I would definitely include that it's personal/serious/etc. so that he's prepared and has an idea of what the conversation will be about.

I also agree with the other posters that it's very unlikely he's trying to avoid you. He has no reason to do that and he's probably just very busy, as teachers are. Maybe he just doesn't have time to talk to students as much as usual. Don't let this stop you from talking to him; he's stated before that you can talk to him about stuff, and so he clearly wants to help you if you need it. And don't worry about how it will turn out or how to actually talk to him. Don't think about it too much. Just go into the conversation with the first thing you want to say - some way to start it off - and let everything take care of itself after that. I know it's nerve-wracking and scary to talk to someone about this kind of thing because I've been through this a couple of times with my teacher, but it really will be okay. When I did it, I was so surprised both times at how well it went. Just let the conversation happen.

Finally, although you probably already know this, be sure to remember that he will be required to report that you are self harming. This doesn't mean that he isn't trustworthy or won't help you or wants to get you in trouble. He's just required by law to report it if he finds out that a student is in danger. He will lose his job and could even go to jail if he doesn't tell someone. This isn't a bad thing, though - all it means is that you will get professional help, which is what you want in the end, right? And he can still help you and support you, too.

I hope everything goes well for you and that you decide to talk to your teacher. I'd love to know how it goes! If you need anything or want to talk, feel free to PM/VM me anytime.

~Hailey