Suicide & Self-Harm

What is a major risk factor for suicide?

• AHaving hobbies
• BMaintaining relationships
• CHistory of mental health conditions, especially depression✓
• DBeing employed

Answer: Major risk factors for suicide include mental health conditions (particularly depression), history of self-harm, previous suicide attempts, and significant life stressors.

True or False: Talking about suicide with someone will make them more likely to attempt it.

• ATrue, you should never mention it
• BFalse, asking directly about suicide can help identify risk and enable support✓
• CTrue, only professionals should discuss it
• DFalse, but only with certain people

Answer: Research shows that asking about suicide does not increase risk. In fact, being able to openly discuss suicidal thoughts can reduce isolation and enable help-seeking.

What are warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide?

• ATalking about being a burden, saying goodbye, giving away possessions✓
• BThese are just normal behaviors
• COnly recent changes matter
• DChanges in mood are irrelevant

Answer: Warning signs include expressions of hopelessness, talking about being a burden, making final arrangements, giving away possessions, saying goodbye, and withdrawn behavior.

What should you do if someone tells you they are having suicidal thoughts?

• ATell them not to be silly and change the subject
• BTake them seriously, listen without judgment, avoid leaving them alone, and help them access crisis support✓
• CLecture them about why they shouldn't
• DOnly tell a professional after they leave

Answer: If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, take them seriously, listen empathically, keep them safe, and help them access immediate professional support.

What is the ALGEE Action Plan step 'Listen'?

• AListen only to positive things they say
• BListen without judgment, showing empathy and validating their feelings✓
• CListen but plan what you'll say in response
• DListen and immediately offer advice

Answer: The Listen step involves active, empathic listening without judgment, validating the person's feelings, and resisting the urge to immediately problem-solve.

What is safety planning in suicide prevention?

• ARemoving all stressful situations
• BA plan developed with the person including warning signs, coping strategies, social supports, and crisis contacts✓
• CKeeping someone under constant surveillance
• DTelling them not to think about it

Answer: Safety planning is a collaborative process where the person and supporter identify triggers, internal coping strategies, supportive people, and professional resources to access in crisis.

What is self-harm?

• AAn attempt to commit suicide
• BIntentional injury to oneself, often to cope with emotional distress✓
• CA sign someone doesn't care about themselves
• DAlways a suicidal gesture

Answer: Self-harm (or self-injury) is intentional injury to oneself, typically to manage overwhelming emotions. While serious, it is different from suicidal behavior.

What is the primary function of self-harm for many people?

• AAttention-seeking only
• BAn attempt at suicide
• CTo cope with emotional pain or numbness✓
• DA sign they are 'bad' people

Answer: Self-harm often serves as a coping mechanism to manage intense emotions, release tension, or shift from emotional to physical pain.

How should you respond to someone who self-harms?

• AWith disgust or judgment
• BBy punishing them
• CWith compassion, avoiding judgment, and helping them access support✓
• DBy dismissing it as attention-seeking

Answer: Respond with empathy and without judgment. Help the person understand their triggers and develop alternative coping strategies, and encourage professional support.

What should you NOT do when someone expresses suicidal thoughts?

• ALeave them alone for long periods
• BLecture them or minimize their feelings
• CBlame them or express judgment
• DAll of the above✓

Answer: Never leave someone expressing suicidal ideation alone, minimize their feelings, lecture them, or express judgment - these responses can worsen their distress.

Which demographic group has the highest suicide rate in the UK?

• AAdult women
• BAdult men, particularly in middle age✓
• CChildren under 10
• DElderly women

Answer: Suicide is the leading cause of death in men aged 15-49 in the UK. Understanding gender-specific risk factors is important for prevention.

What does 'ask, care, act' mean in suicide prevention?

• AAsk why, care about the answer, and act disinterested
• BAsk about suicidal thoughts, show genuine care, and take action to get help✓
• CAsk others instead of the person
• DCare but don't do anything

Answer: Ask about suicide directly, show genuine care and empathy, and take action by helping the person access professional support.