Suicide Prevention Awareness - Sensibilisation à la prévention du suicide 83 The term ‘committed’ is stigmatizing as it implies someone is criminal or immoral or has committed an offence. Suicide is not a crime. It was decriminalized in 1972. Recent amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada (section 241) refer to die by suicide rather than ‘committed suicide’. Suicide is a tragic outcome of many complex factors with lasting impacts; it is never about success or failure. It is not something to achieve or finish like a task or project. Suicide attempt is not about success, failure or completion. Language about suicide should be factual and careful. People die by suicide or attempt to die by suicide. People may have lived through a suicide attempt or been affected by the suicide attempt of someone. Using safe language avoids words that describe suicide in a positive or negative way. Using neutral, factual and respectful words is far less stigmatizing. Some descriptive language can have negative connotations. The way we communicate about suicide needs to avoid further stigma and focus on prevention. Images matter too Safe images: • Images need to be consistent with safe language and communication for suicide prevention. • Images that convey a sense of belonging or community, a sense of hope, and healing and recovery are more consistent with safe communication. Images are most effective when they reinforce the message that no one is alone, that help is available and that everyone's life matters. Safe communication for suicide prevention means that words and images are wellplanned, helpful and respectful. Problematic images: • Images that are negative, violent or graphic tend to be problematic. When images reinforce stereotypes or aspects of suicide, they can be stigmatizing, unhelpful and unsafe. Images of broken minds, fallen people or methods and locations of suicide (firearms, substances, bridges, etc.) are examples of images to avoid. Common dos and don'ts Safe messaging: • Communicates that suicide is a public health and safety issue. • Explains that suicide is a complex issue that can affect anyone and takes advantage of opportunities to inform people while focussing on prevention. • Addresses a balance of protective and risk factors associated with suicide. • Balances the use of statistics on suicide with enough context about the issue. Uses credible sources and accurate statistics about suicide. • Uses clear, neutral and people-first language. • Avoids detailed descriptions or comparisons of suicides (e.g. methods/means, locations, personal information). • Tailors messaging to audiences with content that is age, gender, culturally appropriate and effective. continued Man photo created by prostooleh - www.freepik.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==