The language that we chose to use when talking about mental health, mental illness and suicide and self harm can elicit a number of reactions in other people, particularly those who are immediately affected, and care needs to be taken to avoid offence, judgement, sensationalism, exaggeration, or the perpetuation of stigma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A number of organisations in the UK, and more widely, provide guidance on use of language regarding suicide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key points to consider when talking about suicide are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing our words carefully is about more than avoiding stigmatizing terms. The language we use can also have a positive effect, which makes choosing the right words just as important as avoiding the wrong ones. Avoid anything that: <\/p>\n\n\n\n We know that talking to someone about suicide won\u2019t cause or increase suicidal thoughts, or cause the person to act on them. It can help them feel less isolated and scared <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be hopeful. People can and do get better. Encourage people to seek help <\/p>\n\n\n\nSay<\/th> Instead of<\/strong> <\/th> Because<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead> \u2018died by suicide\u2019 or \u2018ended his\/her\/their own life <\/td> \u2018committed\u2019 or \u2018commit suicide\u2019 <\/td> To avoid association between suicide and \u2018crime\u2019. <\/strong>Suicide was decriminalised in 1961 in the UK <\/td><\/tr> \u2018took their own life\u2019, \u2018died by suicide\u2019 or \u2018ended their own life\u2019 <\/td> \u2018successful suicide\u2019<\/td> To avoid presenting suicide as a desired outcome <\/td><\/tr> \u2018non-fatal\u2019 or \u2018made an attempt on his\/her\/their life\u2019 <\/td> \u2018unsuccessful suicide\u2019 <\/td> To avoid presenting suicide as a desired outcome or glamorising a suicide attempt <\/td><\/tr> \u2018concerning rates of suicide\u2019 <\/td> \u2018suicide epidemic\u2019<\/td> To avoid sensationalism and exaggeration of the risks <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table> \n