This website is currently under construction. For up-to-date information, please visit heardalliance.org.
Explore best practices for covering suicide-related topics.
Best Practices for Reporting on Sucide
Learn how to responsibly cover suicide, including language use, avoiding sensationalism, and prioritizing help-seeking information.
Reducing the Risk of Contagion
Understanding the risks of suicide contagion and implementing strategies to mitigate harmful effects of coverage.
Safe Messaging: How to Talk About Suicide
Using appropriate language when discussing suicide is essential to reducing stigma and preventing harm. Always include resources.

Amy Heneghan, MD
Pediatrician
Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Rebecca Beacom, BS
Project Consultant
Stanford School of Medicine

Mary Ojakian, RN
County of Santa Clara
Suicide Prevention Oversight and
Intervention Committee

Diana Wilson, LCSW
Intervention & Training Consultant
Stanford School of Medicine

Shashank V. Joshi, MD, FAAP, DFAACAP
Professor, Senior Associate Vice Provost for Academic Wellbeing, Director of School Mental Health Services, Director of combined training in Pediatrics, General Psychiatry and
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry,
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health

Steven Adelsheim, MD
Clinical Professor & Director,
Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, Associate Chair, Community Engagement, Stanford School of Medicine

Jennifer Del Bono, M.Ed
SEL/RP Coordinator
Del Bono Group LLC
County of Santa Clara
Behavioral Health Services Department

Ivan Rodriguez, MFA
School Mental Health Coordinator
Stanford School of Medicine

Taraneh Ahmadi, MPH
Project Manager
Stanford School of Medicine

Mego Lien, MPH, MIA
Prevention Services Division Director
County of Santa Clara
Behavioral Health Services Department

Jasmine Lopez, MA
School-based Prevention Services Manager
County of Santa Clara
Behavioral Health Services Department
Schools


What’s the “right” way to talk about suicide?
Talking about suicide can feel awkward or scary, but the most important thing is to approach it with care and honesty. There’s no single "right" way to have these conversations—everyone expresses their feelings differently. Some people talk about suicide openly, while others hint at it through jokes, vague statements, or even song lyrics. The key is to listen, take them seriously, and create space for real conversations. It’s important to remember that using the word “suicide” or talking about it directly will not increase the chances that someone takes their own life. Read more on the HEARD Hub >
What are the warning signs that someone may be suicidal?
There’s no definite way of knowing what someone is going through, but big changes in behavior, mood, or the way they talk can be signs that they’re struggling. This is especially true if their behavior shifts after something really tough—like a loss, a breakup, or a major life change. Most people who are thinking about suicide show at least one warning sign, even if it’s subtle. Warning signs that someone may be suicidal: >What they say – If someone starts talking about: - Feeling like a burden (“Everyone would be better off without me.”) - Feeling trapped (“I just don’t see a way out.”) - Being in unbearable pain (“I can’t do this anymore.”) - Having no reason to live (“What’s the point?”) - Wanting to die (“I just want it all to stop.”) >What they do – Specific behavioral changes to keep an eye on: - Using more alcohol or drugs - Searching for ways to hurt themselves (looking up methods online, collecting pills, etc.) - Taking big risks they wouldn’t normally take (reckless driving, dangerous stunts, etc.) - Pulling away from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy - Sleeping way too much or barely at all - Saying goodbye to people in a way that feels final - Giving away things they really care about - Acting angry, aggressive, or suddenly calm after a period of distress > How they seem emotionally – Mood changes to look out for: - Depressed or hopeless - Losing interest in things they used to love - Constantly irritated or easily frustrated - Overwhelmed by shame or humiliation - Feeling anxious or on edge - Explosive rage or extreme mood swings