This production includes strong language, nudity, sexual violence, physical and emotional abuse, self-harm, and suicide. There are also moments of flashing and strobe lighting, blood, smoking, periods of loud music, and the use of strong scents (antiseptic liquid) that will be used. These themes are not just suggested but will be portrayed throughout the production realistically and emotively which some viewers may find disturbing. It is intended for mature audiences and viewer discretion is advised. If you feel affected by these themes or any of the subject matters in the production, please refer to the list of resources and information below. This is not an exhaustive list and is not intended to replace support from a GP or therapist. All links include resources available to or tailored specifically for anyone that is non-binary and/or identifies as LGBTQI+.
Content Warning: This production is intended for mature audiences and viewer discretion is strongly advised. If you have purchased or are considering purchasing tickets to “A Little Life” please read through the below for a detailed breakdown of the themes and content included in the show.
Sexual Abuse is a sexual behaviour or a sexual act forced upon a person. Sexual abuse is an act of violence which the attacker uses against someone they perceive as weaker than them. Click here for a list of organisations offering support for people who are experiencing, or have experienced, sexual abuse.
Emotional Abuse can occur in any relationship. The underlying goal of emotional abuse is to control the other person by discrediting, isolating, and silencing them. It is one of the hardest forms of abuse to recognise as it can be subtle and insidious. But it can also be overt and manipulative. Click here for more information about emotional abuse.
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking your own life. Suicidal feelings can mean having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can mean thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life. Click here for links to resources around suicide.
Physical Abuse is non-accidental use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. This includes, but is not limited to, being slapped, burned, cut, bruised or improperly physically restrained. Please click here for more information.
Self-Harm is when you hurt yourself as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences. Some people have described self-harm as a way to express something that is hard to put into words, turn invisible thoughts or feelings into something visible, change emotional pain into physical pain or exert a sense of control. Click here for a list of resources around self-harm.
Trauma can develop after very stressful, frightening or distressing events. When we talk about emotional or psychological trauma, we might mean: situations or events we find traumatic or how we’re affected by our experiences. Everyone has a different reaction to trauma, so you might notice any effects quickly, or a long time afterwards. Click here for resources around trauma.
DOWNLOAD THEME & CONTENT INFORMATION
If you or someone you are supporting are in need of urgent Mental Health support – please text SHOUT to 85258, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or emergency services on 999.
If you have seen the production and feel affected by any of the themes or content, please read the information below for a breakdown of organisations that can support you.
General Mental Health Support Resources
Samaritans – Call 116 123 (24/7)
SHOUT – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7)
Hub of Hope – national database of support services in UK
Support Line – emotional distress support 01708 765200
Switchboard – LGBTQI+ helpline 0300 330 063
NSPCC – under 18s 0808 800 5000
Panic, Fear and Anxiety
Symptoms of a panic attack can include: sudden intense anxiety and fear, a racing heartbeat, feeling faint, dizzy or lightheaded, feeling that you’re losing control, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath or breathing very quickly, a tingling in your fingers or lips, feeling sick (nausea). A panic attack usually lasts 5 to 30 minutes. They can be frightening, but they’re not dangerous and should not harm you.
Sometimes it can feel helpful if you feel anxious to focus on your breath or try to ground yourself back into the sensation that your body is safe so that your fight or flight response is slowed down, follow the links below for some examples of this;
Anxiety
Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual Abuse is a sexual behaviour or a sexual act forced upon a person. Sexual abuse is an act of violence which the attacker uses against someone they perceive as weaker than them. It can happen to anyone at any age.
Suicide
Suicidal feelings can mean having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you. Or it can mean thinking about methods of suicide or making clear plans to take your own life.
Samaritans – Call 116 123
The Listening Place
Suicide Prevention UK
Papyrus – under 35s
Trauma
Trauma can develop after very stressful, frightening or distressing events. Everyone has a different reaction to trauma, so you might not notice any effects straightaway. When you encounter a trigger after trauma, a strong emotional and behavioural reaction comes over you. It’s as if you are reliving that trauma all over again. The word “triggered” has become a popular term to describe anything that causes emotional discomfort. But for people who have experienced trauma, triggers can be terrifying and all-consuming.
Self-Harm
Self-Harm is when you hurt yourself as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences. Some people have described self harm as a way to express something that is hard to put into words, turn invisible thoughts or feelings into something visible, change emotional pain into physical pain or exert a sense of control.
Disordered Eating
An eating problem is any relationship with food that you find difficult. Many people think that someone with an eating problem will be over or underweight. People might also think that certain weights are linked to certain eating problems. Neither of these points are true. Anyone can experience eating problems. This is regardless of age, gender, weight or background.
Further Charity Links
lucyfaithfull.org.uk is dedicated to preventing child abuse. They work with people who have been arrested, cautioned or convicted for internet offences along with their partners, relatives and friends. Stop it Now is their confidential helpline to support anyone with a concern about child sexual abuse and its prevention.
bigtalkeducation.co.uk work to ensure as many children and young people as possible receive high quality relationship and sex education. They have a resource page with links to various other charities that support with reporting child abuse, accessing counselling workshops and advocacy.
DOWNLOAD POST-SHOW SUPPORT RESOURCE
If you or someone you are supporting are in need of urgent Mental Health support – please text SHOUT to 85258, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or emergency services on 999.
