Easy Read Text: Suicidal and Self-Harm Awareness

 

1. Understanding Self-Harm

• Self-harm is when someone hurts themselves on purpose.

• It is not always about wanting to die.

• Many people self-harm to cope with strong feelings, numbness, guilt, or trauma.

• Self-harm can be a way to:

  • Release emotions

  • Feel something when feeling numb

  • Gain control when life feels out of control

Common reasons people self-harm:

• Stress from work or daily life

• Money worries

• Abuse or trauma

• Grief or loss

• Low self-esteem

• Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression

• Autism, ADHD, or other neurodiversity

• Bullying

• Problems with friends, family, or relationships

• Addiction

Important: Self-harm is a sign of emotional distress, not a mental illness itself.

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2. Helping Someone Who Self-Harms

1. Stay calm and listen.

2. Don’t judge or blame.

3. Encourage professional help (GP, therapist, counselor).

4. Suggest safer coping strategies:

   • Writing or drawing feelings

   • Holding ice cubes or snapping a rubber band

   • Going for a walk

   • Using grounding techniques

5. Be patient—recovery takes time.

Remember: People self-harm need support, not punishment or shame.

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3. Suicidal Awareness

• Not all suicidal people talk about it.

• Signs someone may be thinking about suicide:

  • Talking about ending life or feeling hopeless

  • Withdrawing from friends and family

  • Giving away possessions

  • Making plans for death

• Most suicidal people want to stop the pain, not die.

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4. How to Respond

• Listen without judgment.

• Do not force them to talk, but help them find support.

• Check safety: Are they in immediate danger? Are you safe?

• Call emergency services (911 in the U.S.) if they have a plan or are at risk.

• Use AGEE steps:

  • A: Assess the risk of suicide

  • G: Give support and listen

  • E: Encourage professional help

  • E: Ensure safety

Hotlines in the U.S.:

• Call or text 988 for confidential support.

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5. Supporting Someone in Crisis

• Crisis can be caused by:

  • Death of someone close

  • Abuse

  • Money or work problems

  • Break-ups or divorce

  • Moving home or exams

• Reactions may include anxiety, panic attacks, depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

• Stay calm, listen, and prioritize safety.

• Provide reassurance and connect them to professional support.

Easy Read Quiz: Suicidal & Self-Harm Awareness

1. True or False:
Self-harm always means someone wants to die.

2. Which of these is NOT a common reason for self-harm?
a) Stress
b) Wanting to get attention
c) Low self-esteem
d) Trauma

3. Name two safer coping strategies for self-harm.

4. What should you do if someone talks about suicide?
a) Ignore them
b) Listen calmly and encourage help
c) Tell them to “just stop”

5. True or False:
People who self-harm or have suicidal thoughts are selfish.

6. What is the phone number for U.S. crisis support?

7. Name one sign someone may be thinking about suicide.

8. What does AGEE stand for in suicide support?