Saying “commit or committed suicide” is offensive to many people. When we use the word commit, it is usually associated with “committing a crime” or “committing a sin” which means wrongdoing. This phrase places blame on the individual instead of the mental health condition that influences the behavior. We don’t say someone with cancer or diabetes was committed to their death so the same compassion should be given to those with mental health challenges. We also do not use the phrase “successfully completed” suicide. Successfully completing something is associated with something good. Language matters. Please consider saying “died by suicide” or “attempted suicide.”

While some people with family members and friends who died by suicide prefer to say “committed”, we respect their choice. We believe in person-centered language and will never fault individuals for their illness. We want people to know having suicidal thoughts or attempts is not their fault. They are the victims of an illness and not the perpetrator. Please do your part by considering your language and educating others. Black People Die By Suicide Too stands firm on “died by suicide.”