Suicide and Stigma

Suicide is one of the few remaining taboos in today’s society. It is such an inconceivable act to most people that they often cannot identify with it or empathise with those affected. Because of these attitudes, awkwardness, denial, secrecy and avoidance remain common.

This stigma can be a major obstacle to people getting help. It may also prevent us from speaking openly and freely about the problem and discussing what we can do, and can lead to misunderstandings and intolerance which are barriers to change. There is a great need to change public attitudes, and increase awareness and understanding about suicide as a major public health problem that is largely preventable.

Serious talk about suicide does not create or increase risk, it reduces it. The best way to identify the possibility of suicide is to ask directly. Open talk and genuine concern about someone's thoughts of suicide may be a source of relief for them and are often key to preventing the immediate danger of suicide. Click the following link for more information about what you can do if you are  concerned about someone.

Similarly, stigma can make it more difficult for people who have lost a loved one from suicide. It may prevent them from telling others the cause of death, and often, people who know of someone who has been bereaved by suicide don't quite know how to react. Bereavement from suicide should be treated in the same way as any other loss. More information about bereavement from suicide and related resources can be found by visiting bereaved by suicide.

For more information about suicide and stigma download our factsheet
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