Empathetic Language: Transforming the Dialogue Around Suicide

Mental health experts suggest that addressing suicide openly and not avoiding the topic helps in reducing its stigma.

However, it isn't solely discussing the topic that holds significance, but also the content and manner in which it is conveyed. This is precisely why certain individuals have chosen to refrain from using expressions such as "committed suicide" and other potentially damaging phrases that can have adverse effects.

The societal stigma surrounding suicide tends to intensify feelings of shame for those grappling with suicidal tendencies, encompassing thoughts, plans, and even attempts. As a result, seeking assistance or engaging in conversations about the matter becomes increasingly challenging, explained Urszula Klich, a clinical psychologist based in Atlanta.

"When we stigmatize mental health aspects and fail to provide support, it often leads to a dangerous path where key factors contributing to suicide risk increase." Klich emphasized that debunking suicide myths plays a vital role in fostering empathy and comprehension.

Experts explained that using stigmatizing language regarding suicide can further entrench the notion that individuals who have attempted or died by suicide are flawed, disabled, inferior, or somehow distinct from others. According to Klich, this mentality of dividing individuals into "us and them" can hinder empathy and compassion, eroding our capacity to understand and develop effective strategies to prevent suicides. Consequently, experts have put forth recommendations on how to discuss suicide without exacerbating the issue.

The push to change the conversation around suicide started in the mid-2000s, driven by authors who had experienced the loss of loved ones to suicide. P. Bonny Balls' 2005 book, "The Power of Words: The Language of Suicide," highlighted the importance of replacing words with negative connotations. Klich noted that Thomas Joiner's 2007 book, "Why People Die by Suicide," also played a significant role in fostering understanding on the subject.

The Alberta Mental Health Board, as part of its provincial suicide prevention strategy, addressed harmful standard terms and suggested alternatives. Canadas Centre for Suicide Prevention publicly supported this in 2011, stating that educating those in positions of power, such as the media, academia, and educators, would be crucial in language transformation efforts.

Academic publication of the word "commit" has decreased by approximately 20% since 2000, but according to Klich, this decline has not significantly impacted the general population. The term "committed" originated from a time when suicide attempts were considered unlawful in numerous countries. Germany became the first country to decriminalize suicide in 1751, followed by other European countries and North America after the French Revolution, as stated in a 2015 study. The World Health Organization reports that suicide is still considered a criminal act in at least 23 countries, including the Bahamas, Nigeria, and Bangladesh.

According to Dr. Jacek Debiec, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, the phrase "committed suicide" not only suggests criminality but also carries a moral bias that may not accurately portray the circumstances.

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Experts say that using words like "successful," "failed," or "completed" can be problematic. Of these, the first two are especially harmful. The term "successful" implies a positive accomplishment, which does not align with the act of taking one's own life. Furthermore, according to Justin Baker, a clinical psychologist and clinical director of The Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans at Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, the perception of success may vary greatly between the person struggling with suicidal thoughts and the professional evaluating the risk.

When referring to suicide, it is important to consider the negative connotations attached to the term "failed." Describing someone who attempted but did not die as a result of suicide can mistakenly suggest a lack of character strength or imply that survival is not a desirable outcome. There are instances where patients may even express self-blame or shame, saying, "I can't even die properly." However, our focus should be on avoiding such judgment and instead strive to promote improved outcomes and a higher quality of life for those affected by suicide.

To combat stigma and judgement, it is recommended to use the phrase "died by suicide," similar to saying someone died from a heart attack or stroke, according to Baker.

Experts also suggest using alternative phrases such as "fatal suicide attempt," "killed themselves," or "took their own life." When referring to someone who survived a suicide attempt, acceptable expressions include "nonfatal suicide attempt" or simply "suicide attempt."

Suicide is often referred to as a "selfish act," but this characterization carries negative implications. It wrongly suggests that individuals choose to end their lives for personal pleasure, whereas the truth is that those who attempt or die by suicide typically do so to escape their pain or because they perceive themselves as burdensome, according to clinical psychologist Michael Roeske's interview with CNN in 2021.

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"The decision is driven by my inability to find a way out of this current situation. I am overwhelmed, stressed, and deeply saddened. This opportunity to escape feels like my only option, as I don't believe I have any other choices," explained Roeske, the senior director of the Newport Healthcare Center for Research & Innovation.

Hence, he suggested that the term "nearsighted" would be more appropriate, as individuals in this state narrow their focus solely to what is directly in front of them. They are unable to comprehend the broader context of their life's history, relationships, and the multifaceted nature of things."

Baker suggested using objective and neutral language is the most advisable approach.

According to Klich, adopting more inclusive language and acknowledging that individuals pass away due to mental health issues can help foster a sense of connection and empathy. By recognizing the distress of others and striving to alleviate it, we are more likely to promote compassion compared to using the phrase "committed suicide."