03/02/2021
It’s also about how you say it...
Did you know that how su***de is reported matters? It does. The more we know the better the research can be. This helps improves prevention.
1-. Do not use the word “committed”; instead, use
“died by su***de” or “took his/her life”
2. Always provide helpline information — “If you
are in crisis, please call the National Su***de
Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255),
or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK
to 741741”
3. Do not include details or images of lethal means
or method used, which can be triggering for
those who are struggling and has shown to
cause contagion
4. Do not refer to su***de as a “growing problem”,
“epidemic”, or “skyrocketing” as this has shown
to cause contagion
5. Exclude graphic depictions of a su***de death
or glamorizing method used, avoid details
about the location of death, and sharing notes
left behind
6. Do not refer to a su***de attempt as “successful,”
“unsuccessful” or as a “failed attempt”
7. Avoid reporting that a su***de death was “caused”
by a single event, such as a job loss or divorce,
since research shows no one takes their life for
one single reason, but rather a combination of
factors (which you can learn about at url
afsp.org/signs) — reporting a “cause” leaves the
public with an overly simplistic and misleading
understanding of su***de
8. Convey that suicidal thoughts and behaviors
can be reduced with the proper mental health
support and treatment, and are not weaknesses
or flaws
9. Use up-to-date su***de data — AFSP summarizes
the most recent CDC data at afsp.org/statistics
10. Share the hopeful message that su***de is
preventable in language, tone and images used;
when in doubt, contact [email protected] for
more information or to talk to an expert