Storytelling Around Suicide Prevention

What is It?

Storytelling around suicide prevention involves the intentional sharing of messages, narratives, and lived experiences to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire action — while protecting the safety and dignity of those affected. 

Key features include: 

  • Reviewing language for safety, sensitivity, and alignment with best practices
  • Consulting on communication plans across platforms — including websites, social media, traditional media, events, and newsletters
  • Balancing authenticity and responsibility, especially when sharing lived experiences or loss
  • Framing messages to promote help-seeking, hope, connection, and recovery

Storytelling is a powerful tool — but when it involves suicide, it must be done with care, intention, and adherence to evidence-informed guidelines. 

Who is It For?

This guidance is for non-profit leaders, communications teams, social media managers, program staff, and anyone crafting messaging about suicide prevention or sharing stories related to veterans or suicide loss.

It’s especially critical for: 

  • Organizations highlighting lived experience 
  • Campaigns involving storytelling from survivors, veterans, or family members 
  • Media outreach, public awareness, and advocacy efforts

What is the Intended Outcome and Impact? 

For the organization:

  • Safe and effective messaging: Communications are aligned with national guidelines (e.g., Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide)
  • Increased credibility and trust: Thoughtful storytelling shows respect and responsibility
  • Risk reduction: Avoids content that could unintentionally cause harm or contagion
  • Stronger engagement: Builds authentic connection with audiences, funders, and stakeholders
  • Mission alignment: Stories reinforce goals of prevention, healing, and support

For the veteran:

  • Hope and connection: Veterans hear stories that reflect their struggles — and their potential for recovery
  • Reduced stigma: Open, respectful conversations about suicide reduce shame and isolation
  • Empowerment: Veterans who want to share their story can do so with support and structure
  • Safety and support: Stories promote help-seeking and link to accessible resources

How Technical Assistance Can Help with Caring Contacts integration:

  • Message review: Ensure communications follow safe messaging guidelines and promote hope, help-seeking, and recovery.
  • Lived experience support: Guide safe, respectful sharing of veteran and survivor stories.
  • Strategy consultation: Help develop messaging plans across platforms (social media, events, outreach).
  • Staff training: Build team capacity in safe storytelling and response protocols.
  • Resource sharing: Provide templates, best-practice guides, and safety checklists.
  • Content collaboration: Co-create or refine stories and materials aligned with prevention goals.
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