Care needed in the language we use when talking about suicide

In recent months, the levels of suicide, especially teen suicide, have increased dramatically. In grieving the deaths, I believe we have to be more careful about the language we use about the deceased, most notably in religious contexts.

I refrain from commenting on specific cases, but the phenomenon of suicide pacts are more prevalent, at least in the media, than they have ever been. I call into question the language used when someone dies from suicide, especially a young person, who would have had contact and influence over people their age.

Some common phrases used when someone has died, under any circumstances, are “he/she has gone to a better place”, they are “with the angels now”, or “they are free of their pain now.” It could be suggested that impressionable young minds, namely teenagers, can be adversely affected by such words, despite them being meant in a comforting sense.

If someone is being bullied in school, much like the friend they are burying following suicide, they may feel like contemplating, “I want to be away from my pain too”, or “I want to be in a better place too”.

I think it is important to comfort grieving families and friends, but also by the same token, explain that suicide is never the answer to your problems. I feel it would be better to refrain from commenting on the fate of the deceased person, while at the same time helping their loved ones deal with their grief. A social conversation needs to take place on the human cost of suicide, rather than on the fate of the deceased in a religious context.

This may be one of the biggest issues surrounding teenage suicide which has dominated our news headlines far too much this year, while the umbrella issue of mental health should be dealt with separately.

Justin Kelly

Edenderry

Co Offaly