Suicide Prevention: The “C” Word

When we talk about suicidal prevention, often the discussion turns to the “C” word. Why do the media and the public continue to use the word “Commit” when discussing suicide? This term is misused when people think about or want to kill themselves. And some in the behavioral health field may not understand the importance of this word and its impact on the client, their practitioner, and the behavioral health organization. 

According to an article from the International Risk Management Institute, terms related to suicide evoke powerful images and messages.  Those around the person contemplating suicide have their personal opinions about it, such as “they’re selfish” or “it’s their choice,” which complicate the matter. Plus, using terms like “commit” make the client seem like a criminal, similar to other “commit” phrases (committing murder, burglary, arson, etc.).  The article points out alternative terms that practitioners and family members can use below:

Say this                                                                                              Instead of this

                                        Died of suicide                                                                  Committed suicide

                                                   Suicide death                                                                   Successful attempt

                                                  Suicide attempt                                                               Unsuccessful attempt

                                 Person living with suicidal thoughts or behavior                       Suicide ideator or attempter

                                                     Suicide                                                                               Completed suicide

                                        (Describe the behavior)                                               Manipulative, cry for help, or suicidal gesture

                                                 Working with                                                                      Dealing with suicidal crisis

If we want to reduce to improve suicide prevention in this country, there must be a different way to discuss this to talk about it. Education programs in school and with clients, discussing suicide with parents and families, and understanding the resources available are helpful to everyone. As posed in an article by the Centre for Suicide Prevention, “Like so much of the language we use, there are underlying, negative connotations to the phrases (we use).”

Other experts have examined the language as well.  In an article on Speaking of Suicide, Dr. Stacey Freedenthal commented, “Some suicide prevention advocates use the term “completed suicide” because they view it as an acceptable alternative to “committed suicide.” Not all suicide prevention advocates agree, of course.  The State of Maine’s Suicide Prevention Program, for example, states on its website, “Both terms (committed and completed) perpetuate the stigma associated with suicide and are strongly discouraged.”



When working with clients who have suicidal thoughts, it is vital to use a neutral form of language.  Asking, “Have you had thoughts about killing yourself?” “Do you want to end your life?” and other strategies have the same impact of discussing the seriousness of their situation but with less stigma for the client. Suicide prevention is not only about treatment, it is also about the language.