Common terms
There are some common terms you might hear people use when talking about the subject of suicide. Whilst some of these terms can be emotive, we have provided a brief list below to explain what is often meant when the terminology is used.
- Successful attempt – refers to the fact that the person is dead and they succeeded in their suicide attempt.
- Failed attempt – means the person did not succeed at completing suicide. A less emotive description might be ‘non-fatal suicide attempt’ or ‘tried to take their own life’.
- Committed suicide – refers to the fact a person ended their life by suicide. The term stems from the days when suicide was illegal. It is better to use phrasing such as ‘died by suicide’ or ‘ended their life by suicide’.
- Suicidal thoughts – it is more appropriate to say a person is experiencing suicidal thoughts than to say a person is ‘feeling suicidal’.
- Suicide survivor(s) – these are the family and friends of the person that died by suicide.
Risk Factors
- Family history of suicide
- Family history of maltreatment
- Previous suicidal attempts
- History of alcohol/substance abuse
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Impulsive/aggressive tendencies
- Influence of cultural/religious belief (e.g. belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
- Local epidemics
- Isolation, feeling cut off from others
- Barriers to access mental health treatment
- Physical illness.