{"id":8238,"date":"2024-05-28T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-28T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8238"},"modified":"2024-05-28T14:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-05-28T14:30:00","slug":"how-to-talk-and-write-about-veteran-suicide-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8238","title":{"rendered":"How to talk and write about Veteran suicide prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-05-28T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

With the internet and personal devices making it easy for anyone to become a content creator, almost anyone can come across as an \u201cexpert.\u201d<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s great that barriers are breaking down for those who can make and distribute content, communicators need to be aware they have a powerful medium to raise awareness and drive change\u2014as well as spread misinformation. Such misinformation could prevent some people from talking about their challenges or accessing help.<\/p>\n

If you write or talk about Veteran suicide through any online or physical media, it\u2019s vital you understand the impact the words and data you choose to share can have on the Veterans and Veteran supporters who consume your content.<\/p>\n

Know your audience<\/h2>\n

Most importantly, you should have a comprehensive understanding of your audience and who your content might reach. In most cases, this is more than just your direct audience and can include individuals who have experienced thoughts of suicide or lost someone to suicide. Pay attention to how your content might affect the people throughout the communities your content touches.<\/p>\n

Know your intention<\/h2>\n

Another critical component to effective messaging about suicide is to fully understand your own intentions for creating the content. What type of effect are you looking for\u2014raising awareness, sharing a call-to-action, sharing a story about lived experience, reporting on a death, or sharing data or research? Use this intention to guide your creative process and try not to lose focus or drift from your original purpose.<\/p>\n

Suicide is complex and sometimes difficult to address, not only because of the sensitive nature of the topic, but because there are many nuances involved in communicating about it effectively.<\/p>\n

Know your influence<\/h2>\n

If you have a platform and want to share content on the complex issue of Veteran suicide, make sure you\u2019re prepared with facts and understand effective messaging best practices. Handled responsibly, these conversations have the ability to educate audiences, reduce barriers to accessing support and\u2014ultimately\u2014help save Veteran lives.<\/p>\n

Know the facts about Veteran suicide prevention<\/h2>\n

Just like any other issue with a lot of nuances, there are several misconceptions about Veteran suicide that are shared regularly. Here are some facts:<\/p>\n