Speaking With Care: The Role of Language in Suicide Prevention

September 4, 2025

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While the statistics are sobering in 2023, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the US (over 49,000 deaths) and the 8th in Guam (31 deaths) it’s important to remember that suicide is preventable. By implementing a variety of strategies, we can work towards saving lives.

Language is a crucial tool for suicide prevention. By choosing our words carefully, we can help break the stigma around mental health and foster a sense of connection. The tips below will guide you in using inclusive and empathetic language to support someone in crisis, while also highlighting the importance of getting them professional help right away.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, a conversation can be lifesaving. Knowing the right words to use can make all the difference. While these tips offer a general guide for using supportive language, your most important role is to help the person connect with a trained professional as quickly as you can.

Use Respectful, Non-stigmatizing Language

  • Avoid language that carries stigma, such as committed suicide, completed suicide, and describing attempts as successful or failed. These phrases can imply criminality or previous attempts when neither may be true.
  • Use neutral language, such as died by suicide, died of suicide, suicide death, or fatal suicide behavior, to promote sensitivity.
  • Refrain from using labels, such as suicide victim or suicidal person, as they can contribute to stigma and shame as well as place blame.

Start the Conversation, Even If It Feels Uncomfortable

Talking to someone who may be considering suicide can feel incredibly heavy, and opening up about your own struggles can feel even scarier. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Taking the first step and starting a conversation is one of the most crucial steps toward healing.

  • Approach the conversation with empathy. Consider letting them know you care by saying something similar to, "I've noticed you've been missing work lately. I'm worried about you because..."
  • Be direct. Don't avoid the topic of suicide. If the warning signs are there, ask, "Are you thinking about self-harm or suicide?"
  • Provide a judgement-free space. Listen, acknowledge their pain, validate their feelings, and resist the urge to rush toward solutions.

Offer Support and Connect Them to Help

If someone is showing signs of self-harm or contemplating suicide, take the following steps.

  • Let them know you’re concerned for their safety and that you're going to get help.
  • Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or contact local emergency services for immediate care.
  • Reassure them that you will stay with them until help arrives.

  • While you wait:

    1. Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
    2. Continue to remain empathetic, validate their feelings, and remind them they are not alone.

Take Care of Yourself. Too

Supporting someone through a crisis is an emotionally demanding experience. Remember to practice self-care both during and after the event. Make sure you look after your own mental and emotional well-being by reaching out for help from your health plan, local programs and resources, or trusted friends and family. It’s also vital to acknowledge that while using compassionate, inclusive language can make a meaningful difference, you are not solely responsible for preventing a crisis. Even when you say all the right things, many factors are outside your control. Your support matters, but so does recognizing your own limits.

Resources

(671) 969-5483

  • Guam Crisis Helpline (671) 647-8833
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1(800)-273-TALK(8255)

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