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The Importance of Mindful Language in Suicide Prevention
In The Office, Season 2, Episode 19, Michael Scott, the quirky regional manager, makes a memorable blunder when he responds to the news that Kevin received a "negative" result on his cancer test. Michael, ever the dramatist, mistakes the medical term "negative" (meaning no cancer detected) for its emotional connotation (something undesirable). While this comedic moment is amusing on TV, it highlights a significant real-world issue when it comes to discussing mental health: the language we use can have a profound impact, especially in sensitive topics like suicide prevention.
As we observe Suicide Prevention Month each September, it’s vital that we examine the words and phrases we use when discussing suicide. Do these terms contribute positively to efforts around suicide prevention, or do they inadvertently fuel stigma?
The Problem with "Commit Suicide" and Its Impact
One term that continues to be deeply ingrained in everyday language is "commit suicide." This expression is often used without much thought, yet it can have damaging effects. Unlike other mental health crises, such as addiction or psychotic episodes, we don’t typically use the word "commit." For instance, we don’t say someone "committed" a psychotic episode, nor do we refer to a relapse in addiction as something someone "committed." Instead, we describe these experiences using more neutral terms like "episode" or "relapse."
The word "commit" is usually associated with crimes — such as committing fraud, theft, or assault — and when it’s applied to suicide, it unintentionally moralizes the experience. This subtly shifts the narrative, turning mental health struggles into something criminal or shameful, when in reality, suicidal thoughts and actions are symptoms of profound suffering. This mental anguish often stems from feelings of despair and hopelessness, not from a moral failing.
The Harmful Impact of Describing Suicide Attempts as "Successes" or "Failures"
Another troubling aspect of how suicide is discussed involves the use of "success" and "failure" to describe suicide attempts. In this harmful framework, a completed suicide is often viewed as a "success," while survivors of suicide attempts are labeled "failures." This language can be devastating for individuals who have survived suicide attempts, as it implies that they are somehow failures simply because they did not complete the act.
If we can recognize that the term "commit suicide" medicalizes and criminalizes suicide, labeling attempts as successes or failures only escalates this damaging trend. These terms can distort the reality of mental health struggles and contribute to harmful self-stigma for those experiencing suicidal ideation.
The Need to Humanize Suicide-Related Language
By continuing to use language that criminalizes and moralizes suicide, we unintentionally reinforce stigma, adding unnecessary layers of guilt and shame to an already difficult experience. For individuals wrestling with suicidal thoughts, this language can create a sense of moral wrongdoing, making it harder to seek help and find support.
To shift the narrative, the Center for Addiction and Mental Health recommends using language that emphasizes empathy and humanity. Instead of saying someone "committed suicide," we can say they "died by suicide." Similarly, when talking about a suicide attempt, we should refer to it as "a suicide attempt" or "survived a suicide attempt." Rather than calling a completed suicide "successful," it’s more compassionate to say "a fatal suicidal attempt." These subtle changes help to remove blame and shame, promoting a more supportive and caring approach to the conversation.
Why "Committed Suicide" Isn’t the Right Language
If Kevin from The Office had received a "positive" cancer test, no one would suggest that he "committed" cancer. If he had passed away from the disease, it wouldn't be labeled a "successful cancer." These phrases are clearly absurd, and even Michael Scott, with all his social blunders, would never utter them. Yet, when discussing suicide, we often use language that mirrors these illogical statements.
To make real progress in suicide prevention, we must examine the terminology we use and its broader implications. Transitioning from medical and criminal language to more humanized, empathetic terms is a key first step in combating stigma and promoting suicide prevention.
Support for Those Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. It's important to talk to someone you trust or reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 to offer support, guidance, and resources. Mental health matters, and no one has to face their struggles alone.
Resources:
The Center for Addiction and Mental Health: Words matter. Learning how to talk about suicide in a hopeful, respectful way has the power to save lives.
