What does the term "suicide" refer to?

The term "suicide" specifically refers to the act of taking one's own life. It is a deeply serious and tragic action that often stems from complex emotional, psychological, or social factors. Understanding this definition is crucial not only in the context of mental health discussions but also within the scope of funeral service education, where sensitivity to the implications of suicide is essential when supporting families experiencing grief related to such losses. This term is distinct from actions involving another person’s life, processes of mourning, or forms of grief counseling, which address entirely different aspects of human experience and do not encompass the personal and tragic nature of suicide.