The letter, issued on World Suicide Prevention Day, says the word “commit” suggests suicide is a crime and suicidal thoughts are a sin.
The signatories say the media, especially editors and producers in news outlets, must take a lead in “changing how the UK talks about suicide”.
News outlets are also urged in the letter to avoid speculation on “causes” of suicide, which campaigners say are usually complex and multi-faceted.
The letter points out that everyone – not just the media – sometimes uses outdated language and stereotypes, which “add to the misinformation surrounding suicides”.