Beyond the Taboo: Breaking the Silence on Suicide

Letecia Griffin
Sep 7
4 min read

#MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #SuicidePreventionMonth #ReduceTheStigma #StartTheConversation #BeTheDifference

This article discusses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. You are not alone, and help is available.

Have you talked about suicide recently?

Chances are, unless you're a nurse, teacher, mental health professional, or have had personal experience, you probably haven’t. It’s one of those subjects we know exists yet avoid. Then, sudden losses thrust us into conversations that even seasoned professionals find uncomfortable. Situations like this one...

This was not just playful banter with his more than 3.5k followers. This was a goodbye. The responses coming in varied from: "Fam you straight," to "If you can call em call him may just need to hear people care," to "Somebody go pull up to his crib," to "Don't do this bro you are loved," to "Yall sharing this how yall know he went through??? It was just an hour ago," to finally the sobering realization, "I love you forever bro. I'm so sorry." Four days ago this young person decided to end his life for reasons we may never truly know. And though I did not know him personally, there is a heaviness that sits with me. And from the 2,600 comments, the 11,000 shares, and the 14,000 reactions, it sits with many of you out there too.

Suicide: A Rising and Serious Crisis

In the U.S., suicide is a serious and rising crisis, with over 49,000 lives lost in 2023 which equates to a death every 11 minutes. It remains the second-leading cause of death for individuals aged 10–34. The toll is even more staggering on a global scale. The World Health Organization estimates that 727,000 people die by suicide each year, making it the third-leading cause of death for youth aged 15–29. This is a global crisis, with approximately 73% of suicides occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

The way we talk about suicide matters.

Words carry power. When it comes to the sensitive topic of suicide, the language we choose can either build a bridge to understanding or reinforce a wall of stigma and shame. Phrases like “committed suicide” echo outdated notions of crime or sin. This term can be deeply hurtful and can inadvertently add to the guilt and pain felt by those who have lost a loved one. Instead, using compassionate and non-judgmental language like "died by suicide" or "took their own life" removes this criminal connotation, treating the death as a public health issue rather than a moral or legal failing. Similarly, avoid terms like “successful” or “failed” suicide attempt; survival is not failure. Using respectful, non-stigmatizing language encourages openness rather than pushing people away.

Suicide Prevention Month: Every September

September is recognized by NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness) as Suicide Prevention Month. It is a time to acknowledge suicide as a public health crisis and emphasize that everyone has a role in prevention. Expect to see more conversations on this blog, in schools, media, and healthcare settings. We all need to lean in.

What you can do right now

Using mindful, compassionate language is more than politeness, it can actually save lives. Words can break down stigma and create bridges to help, turning isolation into connection. Here are some additional steps you can take to start the conversation and be the difference.

1.	Share contact information: In the U.S., add “Call or text 988” (or chat at 988Lifeline.org) wherever you can on social posts, school newsletters, emails.
2.	Learn local lines: If you're outside the U.S., look up your region’s crisis numbers and share them broadly.
3.	Talk openly: Encourage conversations about mental health; your words could lower the barrier to seeking help.
4.	Be imperfectly present: You don't have to say the perfect thing, just reach out. Connection itself is healing.

Let this month be a starting point, motivating us to continue our efforts year-round, so that everyone can have the support and tools to lead a happy, fulfilling life. Here is one way you can start. Identify the crisis numbers specific to your region, state, or country. Share them in the comment section below. When you share this article on your social media pages and groups, please also share your state's or country's specific helplines along with the U.S. National Crisis Support number 988. And as always, please remember. Wherever you are on this wellness journey, do not worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other. Until next time. Happy reading.

“Language exerts hidden power, like a moon on the tides.” ~Rita Mae Brown

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