9781422273920

human history. That’s likely why our language developed this way. However, society’s views are changing. It’s not that suicide is suddenly “okay”—it’s definitely not! But we understand that suicidal behavior exists in the context of profound emotional and mental crises. People who are in crisis are neither criminals nor sinners—they are friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors. They need and deserve our empathy, not our judgment. This is why it’s important to strike the word commit from our vocabulary when we discuss this very painful topic. As society’s understanding of suicide evolves, so too should the words we use to describe it.

The motivations of people who attempt suicide are complicated.

Teen Guides to Health & Wellness: Suicide and Self-Harm

16

Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease