Proposed Easy Read / Visual Communication System for Mental Health

 

1️⃣ Emotion / Feeling Cards

• Each card has word + picture:

  • 😢 Sad / Feeling low

  • 😡 Angry / Frustrated

  • 😨 Anxious / Worried

  • 😭 Overwhelmed / Upset

  • 🙂 Calm / Coping

  • 🤔 Confused / Not sure

  • 😷 Pain / Physical discomfort

• Use: Patient points to card to show current state.

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2️⃣ Problem / Topic Cards

• Visual + word cards for common issues in mental health crisis:

  • 😴 Sleep problems

  • 🍽️ Eating / appetite

  • 💬 Trouble talking / expressing

  • 🏠 Home / family problems

  • 👥 Relationships / friends

  • 💊 Medication

  • ⚠️ Safety concerns / self-harm risk

• Use: Staff asks:

  “Which of these is affecting you today?”
  Patient points to pictures/cards.

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3️⃣ Severity / Urgency Cards

• Can use colour coding:

  • 🟢 Green → Mild / OK to discuss

  • 🟡 Yellow → Moderate / needs attention

  • 🔴 Red → Severe / urgent

• Combine with Traffic Light Cards for structured, quick triage.

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4️⃣ Benefits

• Quick and safe communication in time-limited sessions.

• Helps non-verbal or low literacy clients express needs.

• Reduces stress and frustration for clients and staff.

• Allows clinicians, counselors, and support workers to prioritise issues.

• Encourages person-centered care: patient chooses what to talk about.

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5️⃣ Integration into Toolkit

• Can combine with existing Traffic Light + Emotion system.

• Visual boards / laminated cards can be placed in therapy rooms, GP offices, crisis centers.

• Easy Read booklet explains:

  • How to use cards

  • Reflection exercises

  • Example scripts for staff (“Which of these describes how you feel?”)

  • • Not everyone can operate them (motor skills, cognitive differences).

    • Not everyone can process or read text quickly enough to use them in a crisis.

    • Some people may feel anxious using technology in unfamiliar settings.

    • Devices may not always be available in clinics, schools, or community settings.

    • Time-limited appointments make it hard for someone to build up messages on a device.

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    Why a Picture + Word + Card system is better for inclusion

    1. Accessible to all abilities

       • No tech needed; just visual cards and symbols.

       • Works for people with limited literacy, low processing speed, non-verbal needs, or physical difficulties.

    2. Flexible & portable

       • Can be used anywhere: group sessions, one-to-one therapy, GP visits, workshops.

    3. Instant communication

       • Staff can immediately understand emotions, needs, or problems.

       • Combines emotion + problem + urgency in one glance.

    4. Supports time-limited sessions

       • Patient can point or hold a card instead of trying to explain everything verbally.

       • Clinician can prioritize urgent issues using colour coding or traffic light cards.

    5. Encourages self-expression

       • People can communicate without feeling pressured to talk.

       • Reduces stress, frustration, and anxiety.