b'Tips for Talking about SuicideSuicide is a difficult topic for most people to talk about. This tool suggests ways to talk about key issues that may come up when someone dies by suicide.Give accurate information about suicide.By saying. Suicide is a complicated behavior. It is not caused by a singleThe cause of [NAME]s death was suicide. Suicide is not caused event.by a single event. In many cases, the person has a mental health or substance use disorder and then other life issues occur at the In many cases, mental health conditions, such as depression,same time leading to overwhelming mental and/or physical pain, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or psychosis, or a substance use disorderdistress, and hopelessness. are present leading up to a suicide. Mental health conditions affect how people feel and prevent them from thinking clearly.There are effective treatments to help people with mental Having a mental health problem is actually common and nothinghealth or substance abuse problems or who are having suicidal to be ashamed of. Help is available.thoughts. Talking about suicide in a calm, straightforward way does not putMental health problems are not something to be ashamed of. the idea into peoples minds.They are a type of health issue. Address blaming and scapegoating.By saying. It is common to try to answer the question why? after a suicideBlaming others or the person who died does not consider the death. Sometimes this turns into blaming others for the death. fact that the person was experiencing a lot of distress and pain. Blaming is not fair and can hurt another person deeply. Do not focus on the method.By saying. Talking in detail about the method can create images that areLets talk about how [NAME]s death has affected you and ways upsetting and can increase the risk of imitative behavior byyou can handle it. vulnerable individuals. How can you deal with your loss and grief? The focus should not be on how someone killed themselves but rather on how to cope with feelings of sadness, loss, anger, etc. Address anger.By saying. Accept expressions of anger at the deceased and explain thatIt is okay to feel angry. These feelings are normal, and it doesnt these feelings are normal. mean that you didnt care about [NAME]. You can be angry at someones behavior and still care deeply about that person.After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools|55'