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The tragic death of primary headteacher Ruth Perry, who took her own life when her school was set to be downgraded to 鈥渋nadequate鈥�, has prompted widespread anger from teachers and calls to reform or abolish Ofsted. Ruth Perry鈥檚 family believes that the stress of the inspection led to her suicide, and this week an article in the British Medical Journal argued that 鈥渆very work-related suicide鈥� should be investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.

While some see this as an important intervention in seeking to understand and prevent further suicides, others are concerned that speculation about direct causal 'triggers' can oversimplify a complex issue. The Samaritans鈥� media guidelines state: 鈥渧ulnerable people experiencing similar issues are more likely to over-identify with the deceased when a single reason is given鈥�. Moreover, others are worried about the 鈥榳eaponisation鈥� of individual cases of suicide by campaign groups seeking to advance wider political aims.

Suicide is a highly sensitive issue and the way we talk about it matters. Across different times and cultures it has been seen as both honourable and sinful. Today, most responses start from a place of compassion, based on a better understanding of mental health. While it is vital to understand, prevent and treat suicidal thoughts, should we ever seek to rationalise or explain suicide? That question is also pertinent in the debate around assisted dying. For some, choosing to end one鈥檚 life in this way is a rational decision we should be allowed to make in certain circumstances, for others, that social acceptance would have a far-reaching impact on people's perception of the worthwhileness of their life.

How should we talk about suicide?

Producer: Dan Tierney.

If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, including urgent support, a list of organisations that can help is available at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline