As the stigma surrounding suicide is starting to lift, the language of suicide prevention is becoming more nuanced. “We’re more open about it than we used to be,” said Julie Cerel, chairwoman of the board of the American Association of Suicidology. Suicide-prevention advocates say it is important to choose words carefully to prevent further stigmatizing those who have attempted suicide or lost a loved one:

■ Use “suicide survivor” to refer to someone who is bereaved because of the loss of a loved one due to suicide.

■ Use “suicide-attempt survivor” to refer to someone who has attempted suicide but is still living.