Language
Using the right kind of language can break down barriers and open conversations around suicide, and encourage people to voice their feelings and find support
| Say this | Instead of this | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Made an attempt on his or her life or attempted suicide | Unsuccessful or successful suicide | Not to present suicide as a desired outcome or glamorising an attempt |
| Took or ended their own life or died by suicide | Committed or commit suicide | Not to stigmatise suicide by associating it with a crime* or sin |
| Concerning rates of suicide | Suicide epidemic | To avoid sensationalism or inaccuracy |
* Suicide was decriminalised in the UK in 1961
