ABSTRACT
Stigma and perceived stigma are barriers to people seeking help for mental health problems in general and suicidal thoughts and urges in particular. The language used to describe suicide is often stigmatising which is unsurprising given that suicide was illegal for centuries in the United Kingdom and is considered a sin in many religions. Stigma towards mental health is associated with negative help-seeking attitudes for people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. Many people who end their life have told someone, most likely significant others, about their suicidal feelings in the weeks prior to their death. People may also deny having suicidal thoughts when last asked prior to their death or communicate their risk in more behavioural ways.
