Suicide terminology

Suicide terminology encompasses a range of terms used to describe aspects related to the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Understanding these terms is crucial for mental health professionals, researchers, and the general public to communicate effectively about suicide-related topics. This article provides definitions and contexts for key terms in the field of suicide studies.

Suicide

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. It is a complex issue with psychological, social, biological, cultural, and environmental factors influencing an individual's decision to take their own life.

Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. It can range from fleeting thoughts to detailed planning. There are two main types of suicidal ideation: passive, where an individual has thoughts of wanting to die but has no plans to commit suicide, and active, where an individual not only thinks about death but also contemplates ways to die.

Attempted Suicide

An attempted suicide or suicide attempt is a non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with an intent to end one's life. A suicide attempt might not result in injury.

Suicide Note

A suicide note is a message left by someone who intends to commit suicide or who has committed suicide. It often includes reasons for the suicide, expressions of love and farewell, or apologies.

Suicide Prevention

Suicide prevention involves the measures taken to reduce the risk of suicide. These can include direct interventions, public health campaigns, and support for those affected by suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Suicide Pact

A suicide pact refers to a mutual agreement between two or more individuals to die by suicide at the same time, usually by the same method. Suicide pacts are often formed between individuals who have close relationships and share a common reason for wanting to die.

Copycat Suicide

Copycat suicide, also known as the Werther effect, occurs when one or more suicides are reported in a way that contributes to another suicide. It is named after the protagonist in Goethe's "The Sorrows of Young Werther," who dies by suicide; after the book's publication, there was a spate of imitative suicides across Europe.

Euthanasia

Euthanasia involves the practice of intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering. While euthanasia is often distinguished from suicide by its focus on relief from terminal illness and suffering, the ethical, legal, and moral debates surrounding euthanasia share similarities with discussions on suicide.

Assisted Suicide

Assisted suicide is the act of intentionally killing oneself with the assistance of another person, typically a physician. Assisted suicide is legal in some jurisdictions under specific circumstances and is closely related to the debates on euthanasia and the right to die.

Suicide Bereavement

Suicide bereavement refers to the process of grieving experienced by individuals who have lost someone to suicide. This type of bereavement can be particularly complex due to the stigma, guilt, and unanswered questions that often accompany suicide.

Suicide Risk Factors

Suicide risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the likelihood that an individual will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. These can include mental health disorders, substance abuse, history of trauma or abuse, major physical illnesses, and feelings of hopelessness.

Suicide Postvention

Suicide postvention refers to the activities and support provided to those left behind after a suicide. This can include counseling services, support groups, and interventions designed to reduce the risk of suicide contagion.

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