Words matter - guidance on language around suicide and self-harm
Our Safe from Suicide Team have co-produced with the Expert by Experience Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Reduction focus group, some guidance for staff on language around suicide and self-harm.
Hayley Jones, a member of the focus group, talks about how this work came about and why it is so important.
"The need for staff guidance on language around suicide and self-harm was identified by a regular focus group led by the Safe from Suicide Team. Experts by Experience, including carers, attend the focus group and share their experiences with the aim of improving services. Everyone attending the group has been exposed to judgemental and stigmatising language. Unfortunately, this includes recent examples of professionals making inappropriate comments and using language which is no longer acceptable.
"People with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, feelings and behaviour co-produced the guidance because they want staff to know that their words matter. Some said they would never seek help for future self-harm because staff comments made a traumatic situation more difficult. However, some group members had also experienced positive interactions using compassionate language from staff who wanted to understand their perspective. These interactions encouraged them to access support and were important events in their recovery.
"The risk of suicide is higher for people who self-harm, especially after repeated self-harm. In the South West, the suicide rate is 12.6 per 100,000 people, which is slightly higher than the most recent average for England (11.2 per 100,000 people). Reducing this number can be achieved through understanding people's experiences and responding to them with kindness and empathy. Making assumptions and using cruel, shaming or dismissive language will only contribute to negative outcomes.
"Words Matter is a short guide to how to talk about self-harm and suicidal behaviour. It advises professionals on phrases to avoid and how to talk to people experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings. Putting it into practice costs nothing and requires no extra time or resources, yet it can make a big difference to people's experiences and recovery.
"The focus group would ask that all professionals read the guidance and put it into practice. They should also encourage their colleagues to do the same and spread the message that words matter. Using compassionate, non-judgemental language saves lives.
George Adams, Clinical Lead, Safe from Suicide Team, said: "The group worked really hard to co produce this and should be very proud of the result.
"This work is about creating a safe space for discussion which will improve patient safety outcomes. It keeps communication open. By using non-judgemental words can help people feel valued, respected and listened to which will enable them to share more and be more open and honest about their experiences so we have a better understanding of their situation and will be able to offer help and show we care."
To request a copy of the guide please email dpn-tr.communications@nhs.net
Statistics
- Samaritans are the only organisation to collate suicide statistics for all UK countries and Ireland. The most recent suicide statistics (for 2023) can be found here.
- Office of National Statistics suicide data for England and Wales is published here.