Talking about suicide
A Guide to Safe Language
Download language & imagery guide
It is widely accepted that the inappropriate use of language when describing suicide and discussion of method, can have a significant impact on people who have a lived experience of suicide, and other members of the community. It is often attributed to fueling the stigma, prejudice and fear that we still experience surrounding suicide. This in turn can prevent people from seeking help, and indeed reaching out to help others too.
For this reason, we must ensure that when talking about suicide we do not describe ‘how’ someone took their life, nor do we discuss specific details about a suicide attempt.
We were honoured to be a part of the redevelopment of the Life in Mind National Communications Charter (the Charter) which includes stronger recognition of people with lived experience of mental health concerns and suicide.
The Charter is an evidence-informed document to help guide the way mental health and suicide prevention sectors, governments, businesses, communities and individuals communicate about mental health and wellbeing, mental health concerns and suicide.
To further support signatories action the Charter, two new online learning modules have been designed to develop skills in understanding how to communicate about mental health and wellbeing, mental health concerns, social and emotional wellbeing, and suicide.