09/14/2026
September is Su***de Prevention Month! We will always encourage people to spread the word about 988, but there are other ways we can socially destigmatize su***de so people can feel more comfortable coming forward for help. WORDS MATTER. Let's change the way we talk about it publicly!
- C̶o̶m̶m̶i̶t̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ vs Dying by Su***de
The word "commit" makes it sound like the person is a criminal or in the act of a crime.
- S̶u̶c̶c̶e̶s̶s̶f̶u̶l̶ ̶o̶r̶ ̶U̶n̶s̶u̶c̶c̶e̶s̶s̶f̶u̶l̶ vs Fatal or Non-Fatal
When you say something is successful, it usually means the outcome is positive. A su***de resulting in death can never be a success for anyone involved.
-S̶u̶i̶c̶i̶d̶a̶l̶ vs Has Suicidal Thoughts
When we call someone suicidal, it can make a person feel branded. We all have different thoughts throughout the day, but it doesn't mean we become those thoughts.
CLIU21’s Behavioral Health Department is encouraging everyone to practice using better, more thoughtful language when we discuss su***de!
***depreventionmonth ***deprevention
