Suicidal And Self Harm Awareness Easy Read

Suicidal & Self-Harm Awareness – Easy Read

1️⃣ Understanding Self-Harm ✋

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

• It does not always mean they want to die.

• People may self-harm to: ✅ Release strong emotions ✅ Feel something when numb ✅ Gain control when life feels hard

Common reasons include:

• Stress from work or daily life

• Money worries

• Abuse or trauma

• Grief or loss

• Low self-esteem

• Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression)

• Autism, ADHD, or neurodiversity

• Bullying

• Problems with friends, family, or relationships

• Addiction

Remember: Self-harm shows emotional distress, not a mental illness.

Checklist: ☐ I understand self-harm is a coping mechanism ☐ I know it is not always about wanting to die

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2️⃣ Helping Someone Who Self-Harms 💛

• Stay calm and listen.

• Do not judge or blame.

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

• Suggest safer coping strategies: ✅ Writing or drawing feelings ✅ Holding ice cubes or snapping a rubber band ✅ Going for a walk ✅ Using grounding techniques

• Be patient—recovery takes time.

Checklist: ☐ I know how to support someone safely ☐ I understand recovery takes time

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3️⃣ Suicidal Awareness ⚠️

• Not everyone talks about feeling suicidal.

• Signs may include: ✅ 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 pain, not die.

Checklist: ☐ I can notice warning signs ☐ I understand pain is often the reason

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4️⃣ How to Respond 🗣️

• Listen without judgment.

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

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

• Call emergency services (911 in the U.S.) if risk is high.

• Use AGEE steps: ✅ A: Assess the risk ✅ G: Give support and listen ✅ E: Encourage professional help ✅ E: Ensure safety

Hotlines (U.S.)

• Call or text 988 for confidential support.

Checklist: ☐ I know how to check for risk ☐ I know how to respond safely

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5️⃣ Supporting Someone in Crisis 💙

• Crises 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.

• Connect them to professional support.

Checklist: ☐ I know how to support someone in crisis ☐ I know professional help is important

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6️⃣ Easy Read Quiz ❓

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

2. Which 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?

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Answers:

1. False

2. b) Wanting to get attention

3. Writing/drawing feelings, ice cubes/rubber band, walking, grounding techniques (any 2)

4. b) Listen calmly and encourage help

5. False

6. 988

7. Talking about ending life, withdrawing, giving away possessions, making plans (any 1)

8. A: Assess, G: Give support, E: Encourage help, E: Ensure safety