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Professor Green, Stephen Fry And Zoe Ball Contribute To Open Letter On World Suicide Prevention Day

Professor Green, Stephen Fry And Zoe Ball Contribute To Open Letter On World Suicide Prevention Day

Today marks World Suicide Prevention Day and many MPs, celebrities and campaigners have all called for an end to stigmatising language

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Many people will read the words 'committed suicide' and completely disregard the impact in which the phrase holds for others.

Suicide was a crime in the UK until 1961 but the simple fact that it is still referred to as some sort of criminal act is part of the reason why many MPs, celebrities, authors and campaigners have come together today: World Suicide Prevention Day.

In an open letter the huge group of personalities have addressed the media in particular, saying that responsibility needs to be taken in the way language and images are used which shape our understanding.

The letter reads: "In recent years we have seen some real advances in the way that most of the media treats sensitive issues such as race, sex, gender, sexuality, ability, and religion.

"We have also witnessed advances in the ways that mental health issues and suicide are dealt with, with journalists displaying greater understanding, knowledge and sensitivity.

"You deserve praise for raising the profile of mental health and tackling the stigma that surrounds it. Many of us have seen first-hand what a positive difference this coverage makes to people's lives."

The letter, whose signatories also include broadcasters Fearne Cotton and David Baddiel, film director Richard Curtis and actors Eddie Marsan, David Harewood and David Morrissey, is released to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.

It encourages the media to find a balance between reporting facts about suicide without introducing elements of the story which may encourage others - such as the amount of tablets someone has taken to overdose.

The letter continues: "We should not describe a suicide as 'easy', 'painless', 'quick' or 'effective', and we should remember to look at the long-term consequences of suicide attempts, not forgetting the significant life-long pain for those left behind when someone does take their own life."

Adding: "We still read that a person has 'committed suicide', suggesting suicide is either a sin or a crime, or both. It has not been a crime in the UK since 1961.

"This form of words can imply that to take one's own life is a selfish, cowardly, criminal or irreligious act, rather than the manifestation of extreme mental distress and unbearable pain.

"It also adds to the stigma and feelings of shame that prevent people from reaching out for help."

The Guardian reported that the letter was compiled by mental health campaigners Luciana Berger MP and Telegraph journalist Bryony Gordon.

'U OK M8?' is an initiative from LADbible in partnership with a range of mental health charities which features a series of films and stories to raise awareness of mental health.

Explore more here and don't suffer in silence. Reach out. It's the brave thing to do.

MIND: 0300 123 3393.

Samaritans: 116 123.

CALM: Outside London 0808 802 5858, inside London 0800 58 58 58.

Mental Health Foundation

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Interesting