the conscious language guide
the conscious language guide
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Suicide

{{Empathetic}} language is vital when discussing emotional topics like suicide. While suicide can be uncomfortable to talk about, creating space for open, compassionate, and empathetic conversations about suicide can save lives. 

Using appropriate language about suicide can encourage help-seeking behavior. A message of hope is important.



Our Suicide Philosophy

Our Sexual Health Guiding Principles

  • Accuracy
  • Agency
  • Empathy
  • Stigma reduction

Our Sexual Health Guiding Principles

  • Accuracy
  • Agency
  • Empathy
  • Stigma reduction

Our Suicide Philosophy

Unless absolutely necessary, we avoid providing intimate details regarding suicidal behavior, as this can come across as sensationalist and insensitive. 

Avoiding stigmatizing or trivializing language is also essential. Language often links suicide with crime, sin, or moral issues (“committed suicide”). We aim to break these associations to change perceptions and promote empathy.

All Healthline Media articles related to suicide include a suicide prevention widget that contains resources to enable people experiencing suicidal thoughts to access help.


Language Alternatives

Thinking of SAYING THIS?
Consider this instead
Here’s AN EXAMPLE
Thinking of this word?

They committed suicide

Consider this instead

They took their own life

They died by suicide

Here’s why

If your friend committed suicide, you might be feeling angry or sad → If your friend took their own life, you may be experiencing a range of emotions

Thinking of this word?

They were suicidal

Consider this instead

They were experiencing suicidal thoughts

Here’s why

They knew their mother was suicidal → They suspected their mother was experiencing suicidal thoughts

Thinking of this word?

Unsuccessful suicide attempt

Consider this instead

Non-fatal suicide attempt

Here’s why

Their unsuccessful suicide attempt cost them their family’s trust → Their non-fatal suicide attempt has affected their relationship with their family

Thinking of this word?

Permanent solution to a temporary problem

Consider this instead

Feelings of hopelessness resulting in a person seeing no other option to relieve their pain

Here’s why

You might see suicide as a permanent solution to a temporary problem → If your feelings of hopelessness mean that you can’t see any other option to relieve your pain, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Why Is This Important?

Associating certain types of sexual activity with a person’s moral character has historically led to groups being excluded from society or being seen as “abnormal” or “amoral.”

Using neutral language in sexual health does not make suggestions as to who someone is as a person. Rather, it provides information in a way that does not shame, judge, or assign blame.

Providing accurate, empathetic, and non-judgmental sexual health information is the first step in preventing unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV through the promotion of healthy sexual behaviors.

Empathetic reporting can help people express thoughts and feelings about suicide that they may have been keeping inside, and this can create opportunities for intervention.

Our Suicide Guiding Principles

  • Compassion
  • Empathy
  • Openness
  • Stigma reduction

Thank you! Stay tuned for TRANSFORM updates.
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Our Approach

While it would be much easier to list the definitive do’s and don’ts of language, that is not possible — context is critical. Language is always changing and evolving, and any list would soon be out of date. This is why we're always listening for changes. Additionally, there are no definitively "right" or "wrong" answers about what language to use. Context is important, and what works for us might not work for you. While specific word choices will change over time, our community approach first ensures that we are prioritizing those who are the most important to what we do: our readers. See full approach here.