Not everyone who attempts suicide has a mental health conditionOne of many common myths about suicide is that only people with mental health conditions have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. Describing a suicide attempt as “successful” is also problematic, as taking one’s life is not a positive achievement. “Failed suicide attempt” can suggest that surviving isn’t the best outcome or that there’s something lacking in the character or willpower of the attempter. Given these factors, when referring to suicide, appropriate language includes “died by suicide,” “fatal suicide attempt,” “killed herself” or “took his own life,” experts said. Acceptable shorthand ways to communicate not dying from an attempt include “nonfatal suicide attempt” or simply “suicide attempt.”Using more compassionate language to discuss suicide can also improve empathy and strategies for reducing suicide risk, experts said.

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Persons: CNN —, Mitch Prinstein, Prinstein, John Van Seters, Justin Baker, ” Baker, haven’t, isn’t, That’s, Michael Roeske, I’ve, life’s, —, Roeske, “, Jacek Debiec, ” “, ” Organizations: International Association for Suicide Prevention, Befrienders, CNN, US Centers for Disease Control, American Psychological Association, Neuroscience, University of North, Prevention, Initiative, Veterans, Ohio State University, Globally, University of Michigan Locations: United States, University of North Carolina, Chapel