Discussion 'Died by suicide'

[Forever Sleep]

I've noticed this phrase in the media recently- describing the death of Virginia Giuffre (rest in peace.) Sounds as if she had such a difficult life. Not only all the horrible business with Epstein but, it sounds like her partner was abusive also.

But, it was the phrase itself I wanted to pick up on. As a rarity, I actually like the media's approach. Not 'committed' suicide. Not a 'victim' of suicide but, the person 'died by suicide'. Finally a phrase that is more neutral.

 

[TBONTB]

Yes, that is a good phrase.

 

[itsgone2]

Victim of is bad. Committed doesn't seem so bad. Died of sounds a little odd tbh.

 

[Sleeper System]

I think "death by suicide" takes the humanity out of the equation like it's some random unforeseen act of the cosmos. Makes people feel better. I don't think there is a right way to say it and there probably shouldn't be. It's a tragedy no matter the circumstances behind it. Be it internal or external factors, the lose of life should be sad.

 

[-Link-]

Committed doesn't seem so bad. Died of sounds a little odd tbh.

It does sound odd. I have felt awkward every time I've spoken the phrase. But that's only because "committed suicide" and "killed themselves" has been wrongfully baked into our brains all our lives.

The problem with "committed" is that it carries negative connotations. You commit adultery. You commit armed robbery. You commit murder. "Died by suicide" is a neutral and, I think, the preferable phrase -- at least for the media, officials, etc.

I recently overheard someone talking about a suicide, and they actually used the phrase "she murdered herself". I mean, Jesus Christ. Can we try evolving even a little bit as a fucking species, please???

 

[Forever Sleep]

Victim of is bad. Committed doesn't seem so bad. Died of sounds a little odd tbh.

I don't have too much of a problem with 'committed' myself. It sounds like a determined action at least- which it is. We are determined when we 'commit' to something. But, as Link pointed out, it does have those criminal connotations.

'Died of' does sound weird- like it's something that happened to them- like pneumonia.

They used the phrase 'by' though. So: 'Died by suicide.' That for me does make sense. 'By' tends to relate to something being done by someone- the person in question. Only, without bringing judgement to it. So, they were neither a deranged criminal who committed self annhilation nor a victim to suicide.

I recently overheard someone talking about a suicide, and they actually used the phrase "she murdered herself". I mean, Jesus Christ. Can we try evolving even a little bit as a fucking species, please???

I think this reveals how many people do view it. That we are essentially two beings. The 'victim' they know and love who was suffering and then, the deranged killer that decided to kill them/ us.

While I'm not meaning to criticise the genuinely insane, I find it insulting that people may well judge me like that. That I wasn't in control of my thoughts and actions. That the 'me' they knew wasn't capable of reasoning that suicide was a viable option.

 

[LaVieEnRose]

There is also completed suicide which is an alternative to commit without the connotations but to me particularly suggests killing yourself after a long period of contemplation.