b'Appendix B: Tools and TemplatesTips for Talking About SuicideSuicide can be a difficult topic for some people to talk about. The following provides ways to talk about key issues that may come up when someone dies by suicide. 1. Give Accurate Information About Suicide Suicide is not caused by a single event. It is a complex outcome of multiple health and life stressors that converge at one moment in a persons life to increase risk. Research is very clear that in most cases, underlying mental health conditions like depression, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis (and often comorbid occurrence of more than one) were present and active leading up to a suicide. Mental health conditions affect brain functioning, which impacts cognition, problem solving, and the way people feel. The vast majority of people who struggle with mental health conditions do not go on to die by suicide, so the presence of a mental health condition alone does not explain suicide. We may never know all of the contributing factors as to why someone dies by suicide,but we do know that talking about suicide in a calm, straightforward manner does not increase risk.Having a mental health condition is common and is nothing to be ashamed of, and help is available.SayThe cause of [NAME]s death was suicide. Suicide most often occurs when several life and health factors converge leading to overwhelming mental and/or physical pain, anguish, and hopelessness which can affect feelings, thoughts, the ability to think clearly and solve problems in a better way. There are treatments to help people with mental health struggles who are at risk for suicide or having suicidal thoughts. Mental health concerns are not something to be ashamed ofthey are a type of health issue just like any other kind, and there are effective treatments to help manage them and alleviate distress. Along with risk factors, there are known protective factorsor things we can do to protect or safeguard our healththat mitigate risk for suicide.2. Dont Discuss the Method or Graphic Details About the DeathTalking in graphic detail about the method can create images that are upsetting and can increase the riskof imitative behavior by vulnerable individuals. Dont include graphic or detailed descriptions of the suicidemethod, location, or circumstances surrounding the death. Dont highlight pictures of the location or sensationalized media accounts. The focus should not be on how someone killed themselves but rather on how to cope with feelings of sadness, loss, anger, etc. Note that some employees, especially those in close relationship to the deceased, may speculate and/or talk about the method of death. In some instances, this can be an important part of their healing journey, in which case it is helpful to encourage them to talk with a mental health professional. Say[NAME] died by suicide or [NAME] took their own life. Lets talk about how (NAME)s death has affectedyou and ways for you to handle it. How can we figure out the best ways to deal with our loss and grief?After A Suicide | Postvention Toolkit For Workplaces 17'