Talking About Suicide: Truth and Compassion
Talking about suicide is incredibly difficult but important. The words we choose to use discussing this topic can either help or unintentionally cause harm. Using language filled with truth and compassion can help reduce stigma, encourage people to seek help, as well as help break the silence. Talking about suicide in appropriate way is important not only for health professionals but for anyone who wants to help. A common theme I have seen across media surrounding suicide is intensely graphic details of the methods. This not only is invasive to the person who they are discussing but also can trigger individuals already struggling. Discussing the suicide in a neutral, and non dramatized way is a more appropriate attempt. Additionally, using language that is more accurate and compassionate phrasing can help reduce stigma. Avoiding phrases such as "committed suicide" and "successfully/failed suicide attempt. These phrases can suggest they criminality as we...