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Join the LuvUrBrain Tribe with The Real English Elaine

Help break the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide through compassionate language. Instead of saying someone “committed suicide,” consider saying they “died by suicide.” The word committed is often associated with crimes or wrongdoing, such as they committed a crime, or committed a sin. Died by suicide is a more respectful, person-centered phrase.

Minor changes in language can create greater understanding, empathy, and support for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Every conversation is an opportunity to promote awareness and reduce stigma.

Use this example as a framework:

“I want to help change the conversation and reduce the stigma around mental illness. Instead of saying someone committed suicide, try saying they died by suicide. The word committed is often linked to negative actions, such as committed a crime or committed a sin. We don’t say someone committed a heart attack.”

Encourage people to practice this change. Shifting one conversation at a time can make a difference. Try it and share your experience when you do.

Would it be fair to say someone “committed” death by heart attack? Of course not, I hear you say. But what if a doctor advised someone with a heart condition to improve their diet, exercise more, and stay active, yet they continued eating whatever they wanted and spent most of the day sitting and watching TV? Would we say they committed a heart attack?

Call to Action:
Join the movement today. Start using stigma-free language, encourage others to do the same, and share your experience. Together, we can change the conversation around mental health, one conversation at a time.

#LuvUrBrain #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicidePrevention #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #DiedBySuicide #CompassionateLanguage #BreakTheStigma #MentalWellbeing #TheRealEnglishElaine #BrainHealth #Jeremiah2911