Suicide is Not a Bad Word: Prevention Through Discussion

Christina Munro
Sep 10
4 min read

Updated: Sep 10

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Ah yes, the “S” word—suicide. A word often spoken in hushed tones, or avoided altogether, out of fear, anger, or judgment. But silence does not protect us. Avoidance can actually increase shame, isolation, and risk. When people cannot say the word, they risk being unable to express their pain. The truth is, talking openly about suicide saves lives!

Myths

Unfortunately, many myths about suicide contribute to increased feelings of shame and silence around the topic. When we shy away from the realities of mental health and suicide, the risk of both attempts and deaths increases. Let’s debunk a few of these myths together:

Myth 1: Asking about suicide increases risk

Speaking about it doesn’t put the idea in someone's head
Asking about it doesn’t increase the risk of suicide
Asking directly decreases risk

Myth 2: People who talk about suicide just want attention

Any mention of suicide is a serious signal of distress
Dismissing it as “attention-seeking” can stop them from reaching out again

Myth 3: People who take their own lives are selfish, cowardly, or weak

Suicide is not weak
Those who attempt or complete suicide are in deep pain
Calling suicide selfish or cowardly increases stigma

Myth 4: Nothing can prevent suicide

Suicide is preventable with proper treatment & care
Systemic changes can help decrease rates of suicide

Myth 5: Suicide happens without warning

There are many warning signs: withdrawal, hopelessness, sudden behavior change
Recognizing these signs can make all the difference

Now that we have debunked some common myths about suicide, let’s dive into what you, as an individual, can do to help prevent suicide.

Prevention through Connection

Connection is one of the most powerful tools we have in suicide prevention. Unfortunately, people shy away from the topic, leaving those suffering to fend for themselves. Too often, mental health stigma, whether internal or external, causes people to hide their struggles and avoid seeking treatment. When we use the word suicide directly and ask honest, compassionate questions, we push back against that stigma. We show that suicide is not too frightening or shameful to talk about, and that reaching out for help is safe and acceptable. Far from encouraging suicide, these conversations provide relief, safety, and hope by showing the individual they are not alone.

How to Help

Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
Listen actively: listen without judgment, or “fixing it”
Validate: “Thank you for telling me. It sounds like you’re really struggling.”
Support: “I am here for you. You are not alone, and we want you here.”
Connect: provide resources, encourage seeking professional help

Be aware that not everyone will react the same to these discussions. Some may react with anger or defensiveness, others may cry or appear numb. There is no wrong way for someone to respond. Just be there to support them.

Warning Signs

Suicide rarely happens out of the blue. Suicide rarely happens out of the blue. Often, there are subtle warning signs that can alert loved ones, as well as more direct signs that they might be contemplating suicide. Recognizing these signs can save a life!

Common warning signs include:

Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, feeling like a burden
Feelings of anger, depression, agitation, or increased anxiety
Feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, guilt, or shame
Withdrawal from friends, family, or previously enjoyed activities
Extreme mood swings
Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
Making plans on how to die
A sudden calm or happiness after prolonged depression

It is important to remember that these warning signs do not always mean someone is planning to die by suicide, but they are a call to reach out. Remember to ask directly about suicide, without judgment, and you may save a life.

Community Care

Individual risk factors are a big part of suicidality, but systemic issues, like discrimination, housing instability, and a lack of accessible services, contribute to suicidality risk. The absence of social safety nets and common-sense gun laws only adds to this burden, making moments of crisis even more dangerous. Community care is one of the most powerful protective factors against suicide. When communities come together to support one another, people feel less alone and more able to seek help. By building stronger networks of care and advocating for fair, protective policies, we can create communities where every life is valued and protected.

What can be done to decrease risk:

Individuals:

Check in regularly on friends & loved ones
Call or write to your representatives
Advocate for systemic changes
Locate community mental health services

Communities:

Increase access to community mental health
Offer free public spaces
Support vulnerable populations (veterans, LGBTQ, BIPOC, unhoused people, disabled people)
Provide hotlines that avoid the use of police

Community Leaders:

Expand access to affordable, quality health care
Support positive policy initiatives (safe housing, disability & veteran benefits, paid leave, prison reform, decriminalize addiction)
Enact and enforce laws that limit access to lethal means
Fund community programs & partnerships

The Media:

Provide accurate reports without sensationalism or graphic details
Avoid speculation on the “how” or “why”
Use non-stigmatizing language (“died by suicide” instead of “committed suicide”)
Provide stories of hope & recovery, and resources available

Silence fuels stigma, but conversation creates safety. When we speak openly about suicide, we break down barriers of shame and isolation, and we hold space for healing. Each of us has the power to start these conversations—with honesty, compassion, and care—and in doing so, we may help save a life.

If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. Hope and help are always possible, and support is available. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Christina

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