Compassion

Alffe · 01-26-2010, 08:11 AM

Stigma surrounding suicide remains; although it has lessened over the years. The terms and language used to talk about suicide often continue to contribute to stigma. When we become survivors we may feel that we have little control over many parts of our lives as vulnerability becomes a part of our being. It may feel like stigma engulfs us. References to suicide seem to surround us. We are strongly affected by the words we hear and we may struggle with the words we say.

For those of us who survive (continue to live) after a suicide loss and for those who care about survivors or provide services to them, it is within our power to take small steps to change attitudes. There are options available to reduce stigma.

Throughout history the term "committed suicide" has been used to describe a self-inflicted death. Today the term is outdated. It heightens the stigma attached to suicide and accurate words are available. We think of commiting a crime, committing adultery, committing a multitude of sins. We now know that suicide is the result of an illness, a desperate act to end psychological pain.

The AAS annd AFSP along with other prevention organizations have offered guidelines to the media for the use of language when reporting a suicide. One guideline states, "....it is preferable to describe the deceased as 'having died by suicide,' rather than as 'a suicide', or having 'committed suicide.' The latter two expressions reduce the person to the mode of death or connote criminal or sinful behavior."

.....In your own conversation think of using alternate words which might apply such as "He died by suicide, "He took his own life", "His depression sadly ended in suicide".

When others use the words "committed suicide:, consider, if you have the energy, seeing it as a teachable moment. They can be given a gentle reminder that you feel saying "died by suicide" seems more accurate.

*************by Jeanne Moren (Adams) SOS Volunteer Facilitator in Jan. 2010 SOS Newsletter

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