Dealing with Suicide and Self harm books & resources

The following is a list of recommended books and resources about dealing with suicide and self harm. The Location(s) available column shows where these books are available, eg, from your local Christchurch City Library (CCL) and/or from the Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC).

Books can be reserved online and checked out by visiting CCL or MHERC. If a book is not available, a librarian may be able to suggest another book or place a hold on a book. To borrow or place a hold on a book, you must be a member of the library. MHERC can post books and other resources out to its users, including those living in rural areas, and will include a post-paid bag for returning books. Once read, books need to be returned to the library.

Below is a list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help. All services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise specified.

National helplines

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Healthline – 0800 611 116

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

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Cover

Title & Author

Description

Year

Location(s) available

After the suicide of someone you know : information and support for young people

By Tricia Irving Hendry

Year: 2007

Subject: Youth

This newly updated and revised edition has been specifically written for NZ young people affected by the suicide of someone they know. Simply written, in a youth friendly style and featuring colour and photos, this helps teens to process and handle what’s happened. Ideal for schools, youth service providers and youth groups. It has also proved popular with young adults and adults. It is a skylight/SPINZ partnership publication and is now used widely around NZ after a suicide.

2007

Location

CCL

MHERC

Being a True Hero: Understanding and Preventing Suicide in Your Community

Michael Hempseed

Year: 2019

Suicide and mental illness are uncomfortable topics, yet, Michael carefully guides the reader through these difficult subjects in a remarkable way that leaves the reader feeling empowered and hopeful. Michael effortlessly merges scientific research with real-world examples. This book takes complex scientific information and presents it in a way so that anyone can understand it. Michael shows that suicide is caused by a wide range of reasons, from depression, anxiety, brain injuries, psychosis, lack of sleep, loneliness, failure and many more. More importantly, he shows that no matter how bad the situation is there is always hope and always options for things to get better. He shows that there are also many options available for people who have been told “there is nothing we can do for you”. The book is helpful for all parents, teachers, counsellors, social workers, sports coaches, employers, doctors, nurses and many more.

2019

Location

CCL

MHERC

Understanding and Responding to Self-harm: The One Stop Guide : Practical Advice for Anybody Affected by Self-harm

Allan House

Year: 2019

Many of us have self-harmed, and even more will know someone who has. But few of us may understand why, or know what to do to help ourselves, friends or family in similar situations. It can be a very isolating experience. Understanding and Responding to Self-Harm aims to fill this gap, providing practical information and support for anyone who has an experience of self-harm. Showing the various forms self-harm can take, the book explores the reasons behind it, and offers advice on self-management, support to others, and what services are available. Full of clear, thoughtful advice for those who may be thinking of harming themselves, or have already done so, as well as guidance for families and friends on helpful strategies and responses, and ones to avoid, this book uses evidence from research and direct experience to provide an essential resource.

2019

Location

CCL

MHERC