Suicide is often misunderstood and handled with complexity, affecting not only individuals but society as a whole. World Suicide Prevention Day emphasizes the significance of open dialogue in saving lives. The International Association of Suicide Prevention’s 2024-2026 theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” encourages creating supportive, non-judgmental spaces where people feel safe to seek help. By altering our language and perspective on suicide can highlight the value of every life and the importance of every voice.

“Let’s Redefine Perspectives to break the Suicide Stigma”

Ending the stigma around suicide starts with one brave person sharing their experience. When someone listens with empathy and without judgement, it creates a space for genuine understanding and connection. This simple act of openness can spark a ripple effect, encouraging more people to speak up and shift the conversation from a taboo subject to an open dialogue. As an initiative, we can set up a “Wellness Corner,” whether in a physical location or online, to provide mental health resources, support contacts, and uplifting quotes. Implementing this idea in organisations, schools, and community settings, we can significantly enhance awareness and engagement. Creating Wellness Corners provides concrete spaces for mental health support, helping to normalise mental health care. By normalising mental health care as we do physical health, we can change societal attitudes. Just as we encourage visits to the doctor for physical ailments, we must make seeking mental health care equally acceptable. Starting these conversations, listening without judgement, and encouraging help-seeking can help break the stigma and make mental health care more accessible and accepted. We should commit to talking about mental health openly and creating a supportive environment for everyone.

Let’s transform our language about suicide

How we talk about suicide is key to changing the conversation; here are some important suggestions from Public Health of Canada to consider,

• Influence of Language on Suicide Conversations : The way we talk about suicide significantly shapes our understanding of it. Phrases like “committed suicide” or “completed suicide” can seem judgmental, while using phrases like “lost their life to suicide” or “experienced a suicide attempt” conveys more empathy and respect.
• Steering Clear of Harmful Labels: It’s essential to avoid language that stigmatises or labels people. Describing individuals as “crazy” or “weak” is damaging, whereas Person-First language like “people with a mental health condition” emphasises the person rather than their illness.
• Encouraging Compassionate Communication: Schools, workplaces, and communities can build a more supportive atmosphere by using empathetic language. Instead of saying “You’re overreacting,” opt for, “It’s okay to feel this way. How can I help?” which fosters open dialogue. We can also emphasis the experiences of suicide survivors, promoting positivity and hope.
• Offering Practical Mental Health Resources: Providing helpline numbers or mental health resources within content offers practical assistance. It ensures that those in need know where to seek help.
• Cultivating a Supportive Culture: Reinforcing messages like “Reaching out for help shows strength” encourages individuals to seek support without fear of judgement, helping create a safer, more understanding environment.

Changing how we talk about suicide is crucial for breaking stigma and improving our perception of it, which encourages individuals with suicidal thoughts to seek mental health support and give themselves a chance at a better life. As a society, we need to offer our support to those in need to help them envision a brighter future. Our next blog will cover finding the right therapist and self-help strategies for suicide prevention.

Reference:

Public Health Agency of Canada. (n.d.). Language matters: Safe language and messages for suicideprevention.https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac- aspc/documents/services/publications/healthy-living/language-matters-safe-communication- suicide-prevention/pub-eng.pdf