A Word on Language
Our words and what we say have impact, and how we talk about suicide and mental illness helps to reduce stigma around suicide and mental illnesses.
❋ Say
Died By Suicide
Die By Suicide
Death By Suicide
❋ Problematic Language
Commit Suicide
Committed Suicide
Succesful Suicide
Completed Suicide
The term “committed” is stigmatized as it implies someone is criminal or immoral or has committed an offence. Suicide is not a crime. Suicide is a tragic outcome of many complex factors with lasting impacts; it is never about success or failure. It is not something to achieve or finish like a task or project.
❋ Say
Attempted Suicide
Suicide Attempt
❋ Problematic Language
Failed Suicide
Failed Suicide Attempt
Unsuccessful attempt
Incomplete Attempt
Suicide attempt is not about success, failure, or completion. Language about suicide should be factual and careful. People die by suicide or attempt to die by suicide. People may have lived through a suicide attempt or been affected by the suicide attempt of someone. Using safe language avoids words that describe suicide in a positive or negative way.
❋ Say
Mental Health Condition
My daughter has schizophrenia
Person with a mental health condition
Lives with, has or experiences
Resources
❋ Problematic Language
Brain Disorder or brain disease
My daughter is schizophrenic
Consumer, client, or patient
Suffers from, afflicted with, or mentally ill
You can break down negative stereotypes and give people hop by choosing words that are more relatable and promote understanding. This simple but caring approach my help people feel more comfortable and will to talk openly about mental health and to reach out for support early.
Language Matters: Safe Language and Messages for Suicide Prevention by the Public Health Agency of Canada
Use Person-First Language to Reduce Stigma by Mental Health First Aid
Your Language Matters by NAMI
Words Matter: How Language Choice Can Reduce Stigma by Education Development Center