Funeral orators urged not to glamorise suicide

A new guide called Suicide Prevention in the Community: A Practical Guide, just launched by Minister of State Kathleen Lynch, offers guidelines for communities dealing with suicide. The guide advises those speaking at the funeral services of suicide decedents to avoid language that makes suicide sound glamorous or like a normal response to problems in life. The guide also recommends against permanent memorials or dedications at sports events, dances, or other community events, and gives advice on how to handle the Facebook page of the deceased. Instead, public attention should be focused on prevention-focused activities, such as fundraising for suicide prevention organizations.