Your words matter, especially when it comes to mental health. There is a sentence you may not know. Is it particularly outrageous? “Killed himself.”

Whether in the news (see the headlines after the Parkland, Florida, student and father of a Sandy Hook shooting victim died by suicide) or in outside conversations, many people still rely on this statement.

While the term may seem harmless, it’s actually laden with accusations and shame. So much so that reporting guidelines outlined by mental health and media organizations strictly advise against its use.

The word “suicide” is damaging because for many, if not most, people it conjures up images of “crime” or “committed a sin” and makes us think of something morally reprehensible or illegal .

The term “suicide” also ignores the fact that suicide is often the result of unresolved illness, such as depression, trauma, or other mental health issues. It should be treated like any physical health condition.

You won’t have a “heart attack.” Instead, you might hear someone say they “died of a heart attack.” The same goes for dying by suicide.… When the word “commitment” is added, it further discriminates against those who are losing their battle with the disease.

The best phrase is “died by suicide” because it conveys the message that death is caused by a mental health condition.It is the language of choice in media coverage and deserves to be used in everyday discussions.

Why This Matters In The Long Term

Focusing on just two words may sound a bit nitpicky. However, the choice of words – whether intentional or not – has a wider meaning.

Using sensitive mental health terminology is critical to combating negative stereotypes associated with mental illness (and the consequences of these stereotypes) now and in the future. Research shows that when stigma is present, people avoid seeking help—and that help can be life-saving.

The fact that we have a problem with word choice when talking about suicide reflects a deeper problem in our understanding of mental health in general.

The language we use reflects our conscious and unconscious value systems. Using judgmental or insulting language can prevent us from recognizing mental health issues, seeking help, and providing help.

In short, “suicide” conveys shame and wrongdoing, and it fails to capture the pathological conditions that ultimately lead to death. This means that the deceased was the perpetrator rather than the victim. And you don’t have to live with mental health issues to understand the damage this can cause.

Words have consequences, and those who think words about mental health don’t matter, think about their own experiences when they felt someone’s judgment or words were unfair and deeply hurtful.

It’s time we start treating suicide as a dangerous byproduct of health conditions that can and should be prevented. Of course, this requires treatment. But it also includes being mindful of what we say so that those living with mental health issues feel like they’re not being alienated for speaking out and seeking support.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide is a serious public health crisis. More people die from suicide than from homicide, car accidents and breast cancer. Suicide is a real issue that must always be taken seriously.

Hopefully more people will be more compassionate about suicide, not just after a high-profile suicide, but every day. Let’s continue to work to prevent tragedies, celebrate those who are still alive… and do whatever we can to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. Only by talking about this can we get people to open up before tragedy strikes.

Dropping the word “committed suicide” as part of that effort may be just a small step — but at least it’s a step forward.