Having conversations about suicide
Research tells us that talking about suicide can help to address the stigma attached to it and encourage people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours to reach out for support.
What we know
People with lived and living experience of suicide and suicide-related stigma tell us that:
Compassionate, non‑judgemental conversations about suicide are essential for reducing stigma, and openly asking about suicide helps create the safe space needed for those conversations to happen
Using non-stigmatising language, open body language and allowing time and space for people to share their experiences is important to ensure stigma is not part of the conversation
Debunk myths attached to suicide. Research shows that talking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide. Another common misconception relates to people who talk about suicide not being serious. Research shows people who die by suicide have often told someone about their feelings and plans
Resources you may find helpful include:
Time Space Compassion: This webpage explains an approach to supporting people in suicidal crisis centring that focuses on giving people time, space and compassion
Grassroots’ myths about suicide runs through common misconceptions and misunderstandings to help you feel more confident to ask directly about suicide and provide support