Pennsylvania’s Suicide Prevention Guide Start the Conversation
The Northwest Pennsylvania (NW PA) Veteran Suicide Prevention Program operates on a three-pronged approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and Veterans and their families in the 15 counties of NW PA. As our program is entering its final months of funding and operation, we wanted to share an additional resource designed to help organizations, communities, and families build awareness and take action to prevent suicide within their community. While focusing on prevention efforts can seem overwhelming at times, words and actions can help save a life.
Read time: 5 minutes
A pdf of the guide is available for download.
Why Words Matter
It can feel uncomfortable, and sometimes even scary, to talk about mental health and suicide prevention, even though many people have been touched by suicide in some way. The term suicide- centered lived experience refers to anyone who has had or is currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, survived one or more suicide attempts, lost a loved one to suicide, or provided substantial support to a person with experience of suicide. By finding the courage within ourselves to engage in open discussions, we can help save lives. Here are some tips that may help when engaging in courageous conversations.
• Practice using nonjudgmental language when discussing suicide.
• Present suicide as a preventable event.
• When talking about a suicide death, utilize language that is sensitive to the grieving family.
• Use objective terms for suicidal events, such as “death by suicide” or “non-fatal attempt.”
• Avoid using the words “commit” or “complete” when discussing suicide. The phrase “committed suicide” is usually associated with a sin or a crime, which suicide is neither. Using the words “completed suicide” conveys success or accomplishing something good, which suicide is not. The proper term for someone who has taken their own life is “died by suicide.” Also acceptable is “killed him/her/theirself” or “took their own life.”
• When discussing the frequency of suicide, always emphasize the importance of every single life. This helps demonstrate that one loss is too many.
Looking to Get Involved?
Whether you identify as a healthcare provider, community organization, or Veteran, there are several opportunities through the NW PA Veteran Suicide Prevention Program to connect to resources, participate in educational training, and promote harm reduction strategies. Contact us to learn more.
Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat. Both are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor in your area.