Why Communication Matters

How we talk about suicide is important. It can either open doors for support or make things worse by increasing feelings of isolation and stigma. Using proven communication methods can raise awareness, change attitudes, and encourage people to seek help. Experts in communication, social marketing, and media are crucial in this effort.

A survey showed:

• 94% believe suicide can be prevented.
• 75% understand that most people show signs before attempting suicide.
• 96% would help someone they know if they were thinking about suicide.

We use the framework laid out in Goal 7 of the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention when we discuss messaging and communications around suicide it’s prevention. For a one hour presentation on this topic, please watch the session on communications, part of our series, Fundamentals of Community-Based Suicide Prevention.

Safe Messaging

Safe messaging aims to avoid increasing suicide risk through:

• Not romanticizing suicide.
• Avoiding graphic descriptions.
• Using respectful language like “died by suicide.”

Safe messaging should:

• Emphasize that suicide is preventable.
• Highlight that it’s a complex issue with many factors.
• Share stories of hope and recovery.

Including people with lived experience adds valuable insights and empathy to these messages.

Social Media and Youth

Social media can have negative impacts, especially on youth, but it can also be a tool for positive communication and support. This is important for LGBTQI+ youth, youth of color, rural youth, and others with marginalized identities. Engaging youth and teaching them healthy digital habits can create future leaders in suicide prevention.

Media’s Role

Media can help by:

• Following guidelines for reporting on suicide.
• Sharing stories of hope.
• Providing resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• Avoiding sensationalizing suicide.

Promoting 988

Messages about 988 should:

• Be clear that help is available for everyone.
• Address concerns about what happens when you reach out.
• Encourage people to seek help.

Local communities can adapt these messages to fit their needs.’

Success in Communication

Achieving this goal involves:

• Training professionals and volunteers in safe messaging.
• Shifting focus from raising awareness to preventing suicide.
• Using communication science best practices like audience research and message testing.
• Involving people with lived experience in developing messages.

• Logic’s Song “1-800-273-8255”: Increased calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and decreased suicides.
• Framework for Successful Messaging: Helps create strategic, safe, and positive messages about suicide prevention.
• 988 Messaging Framework: Ensures consistent and accurate information about the 988 Lifeline.

Action Steps

1. Share recent suicide data in an understandable way to inform public health actions.
2. Increase public knowledge about suicide warning signs and prevention.
3. Work with people with lived experience to create effective communication activities.
4. Share stories of help, hope, and healing safely.
5. Engage youth in safe social media practices.
6. Encourage responsible reporting by news media and entertainment.
7. Raise awareness of 988 and other crisis services with a focus on health equity and cultural sensitivity.

Conclusion

Using research-informed communication can save lives by promoting understanding, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. To learn more, we recommend the Framework for Successful Messaging, supported by the Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.