Tips for Talking About Suicide

Consider Saying:

• Suicide attempt / attempted suicide
• Died by suicide / suicide death
• Took their own life
• Died as the result of self-inflicted injury

Instead of:

• Failed suicide or unsuccessful attempt
• Successful or completed suicide
• Committed suicide
• Chose to kill themself

 

When talking about suicide, consider other meanings your words may have. For example,“committed suicide” implies that suicide is a crime. You can help eliminate the misunderstanding and stigma that prevent people from speaking up. Help others feel like they are getting support by choosing words that are clear and more neutral.