Language Referring to Suicide

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By Steven J. Pardoe

The way suicide is described and discussed is of vital importance. Language referring to suicide often promotes stigma and this can cause considerable distress for those most in need of help. Suicide is no longer considered a sin by most and has long since been decriminalised. So we should stop saying that people ‘commit suicide’, a term that carries heavy punitive connotations.

Seek to understand rather than condemn

We now live in a time when we should seek to understand suicidal ideation, behaviours and attempts and to understand those who suffer these, rather than condemn them. Part of this should involve the use of appropriate, non-stigmatising terminology when referring to suicide.

The word ‘commit’ has also been applied to the involuntary incarceration of people to a mental institution. To associate suicide with mental illness is not always applicable. So using the word ‘commit’ within the context of suicide is not only unnecessary, it is also potentially harmful.

Suicide is a considerable public health issue with ripple effects throughout the community. Those affected by suicide are vulnerable and stigmatised by this terminology and sent into hiding. This applies whether it’s through personal experience or having known someone who suicided. We need to talk more about it and provide safe places for open conversation, in a manner that is helpful and healthy. Presently, such talk is often steeped in outmoded concepts and language from the past. This continues to promote stigma, constrain thinking and reduce help-seeking behaviour.

Power of language

I have always believed in the power of language, no matter what the subject. As a person who has attempted suicide, I believe the continuing stigma surrounding suicide will make it very difficult to change the language. Consider the ‘successful suicide’ and ‘failed suicide’ terms used regularly in ERs and Mental Health Units. A ‘successful suicide’ means you’re dead. Is there any other kind of death that could be considered a success?

My ‘failed attempts’ have, when I’ve received medical attention, made me feel like just that, a failure. I could not even do that right, and the distaste of emergency staff is often completely transparent. My ‘failed suicide’ attempt and self-harm made me a joke in their eyes.

The unspoken message seemed to be ‘come back when you get it right’. Yes, language is very powerful. And I believe those who would try to address stigma by changing the language referring to suicide have a very difficult job ahead.

We must update our language

Our goal must be to reduce the taboo and stigma surrounding suicide. We must stop using words or phrases such as ‘committed suicide’, ‘completed suicide’, ‘successful suicide’ or ‘failed attempt at suicide’. And we must be thoughtful in the ways we engage with those who experience suicidal behaviours and those who are bereaved through a suicide death.

We can try to limit the use of this negative language, and instead use language that more sensitively describes the experience. That way, we will promote a healthier way to openly converse about risk and resilience. We will, as well, assist those bereaved by suicide. Updating the language shows respect in caring for people affected by suicide, as well as removing the pejorative sentiment to their experience. The following are suggested changes for current stigmatising terminology.

Changing the language referring to suicide

Stigmatising terminology Appropriate terminology
Committed suicide Died by suicide
Successful suicide Suicided
Completed suicide Ended his/her life or Took his/her own life
Failed attempt at suicide Non-fatal attempt at suicide
Unsuccessful suicide Attempt to end his/her life

Suicide is a cause of death that, ultimately, nobody soberly chooses. Do we ever say that someone ‘committed cancer’ or ‘committed heart failure’? Yet, every day, we see such references in relation to suicide. So, let us commit to being vigilant and challenge the use of stigmatising language whenever we hear it used about suicide. And let us strive towards a future where we acknowledge suicide as the illness that it is, as opposed to an irresponsible act of the forsaken.