Modern media has made significant strides in how it portrays mental health, moving away from harmful stereotypes and toward more compassionate, accurate depictions. While shows from the early 2000s often joked about conditions like OCD, depression, and suicide, today’s storytelling tends to handle these topics with greater sensitivity and awareness. But despite progress, one area where outdated and stigmatizing language persists is in conversations about suicide—and that’s a problem we can’t ignore.
The Power of Words in Suicide Discussions
Language shapes perception, and when it comes to suicide, the wrong words can reinforce stigma, blame, and misunderstanding. For example, saying someone "committed suicide" carries an outdated connotation of criminality or sin, as if the act were a moral failing rather than the tragic outcome of deep suffering. Instead, experts recommend using "died by suicide" or "died from suicide," which removes judgment and acknowledges the complex factors involved—mental illness, trauma, and overwhelming pain.
Wendy Martinez Farmer, a licensed professional counselor and VP of 988 Strategy, Grants, and Clinical Standards, emphasizes this shift: "When the word 'commit' is used, it places blame, even if inadvertently, on the individual. Using 'died by suicide' removes the stigma and acknowledges that suicide is a complex action rooted in pain, often tied to depression or other illnesses." This small but crucial change in phrasing helps reframe suicide as a public health issue rather than a personal failure.
Why Speculation Does More Harm Than Good
When a high-profile suicide occurs, media and public reactions often fixate on a single cause—a breakup, job loss, or financial trouble. But suicide is never the result of one isolated event. It’s typically the culmination of multiple risk factors, including untreated mental illness, trauma, social isolation, and lack of access to care. Speculating about a "reason" oversimplifies the issue and can even suggest that suicide is a logical response to hardship, which isn’t true. Treatment, support networks, and coping strategies exist to help people navigate these struggles.
Martinez Farmer warns against this kind of reductive thinking: "Far too many individuals have the false belief that their loved ones would be better off without them." Many who die by suicide have endured prolonged internal battles, and framing their deaths as selfish or cowardly ignores their pain. Instead, we should recognize their suffering and advocate for better mental health resources to prevent future tragedies.
Breaking Down Harmful Myths
Another dangerous misconception is that suicidal ideation is merely attention-seeking behavior. This myth discourages people from taking distress signals seriously, leaving those at risk without the help they need. In reality, suicidal thoughts are often a cry for help—a sign that someone is overwhelmed and sees no other way out. Dismissing these feelings as dramatic or manipulative can have deadly consequences.
Similarly, portraying suicide as a "choice" ignores the reality of mental illness. Just as we wouldn’t blame someone for dying from cancer or heart disease, we shouldn’t treat suicide as a voluntary act. Mental health conditions can distort perception, making it impossible for someone to see alternatives. Compassionate language helps reduce shame and encourages those struggling to seek support.
The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Communication
You might not realize it, but your words about suicide reach further than you think. A casual comment on social media, a throwaway line in conversation, or even a well-intentioned but misguided attempt to comfort someone can reinforce harmful narratives. On the flip side, mindful language can destigmatize suicide, making it easier for people to talk openly about their struggles and access help.
Martinez Farmer stresses this point: "We want to ensure our language does not dissuade individuals who may be suffering from seeking life-saving help. The more we normalize these feelings instead of criminalizing them, the more we break down barriers to care." Every conversation is an opportunity to challenge stigma and promote understanding.
Why This Conversation Matters Now More Than Ever
Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., particularly among teens and young adults. Globally, hundreds of thousands of lives are lost each year, with countless others affected by suicide attempts or the loss of loved ones. This isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a public health crisis that demands thoughtful dialogue and systemic change.
By choosing our words carefully, we can shift cultural attitudes, reduce stigma, and ultimately save lives. If you or someone you know is struggling, resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-NAMI) and the 988 crisis hotline offer immediate support. Suicide is preventable, and the right language is a small but powerful step toward a more compassionate world.
Elizabeth "Liz" Enochs, a writer and mental health advocate, reminds us that progress starts with awareness. As media continues to evolve, so too must our conversations—because words, when used thoughtfully, can be lifelines.
