Preventing Suicide among LGBTQ Youth

•  asdfsd

And now….SCIENCE! Is sexual orientation a choice?

Sexual orientation is NOT a choice.

Conversion Therapy is unethical.

•  Homelessness •  Health disparities •  Victimization and

trafficking •  Suicide

LGBTQ Youth

Experience:

Which can Lead to:

•  Bullying (school) •  Family Rejection

(home) •  Hostile Climate

(community)

Chronic stress related to harassment and fear of being outed leads to increased levels of anxiety and depression among LGTBQ youth. This puts

them at high risk for suicide. - CWLA Guidelines

According to a survey of LGBTQ youth in Northern Utah, 62% had attempted suicide, the majority more than once.

{Lets you in} When someone

comes out to you

•  Just LISTEN •  Show interest and care •  Match their words •  Mirror their emotions •  KEEP INFORMATION

DISCLOSED CONFIDENTIAL

What is an ? A person of any sexual orientation or gender identity who

supports and honors diversity in gender and orientation, who works toward combating homophobia and transphobia, and is

willing to explore and understand these forms of bias within him/her/themself.

•  Don’t make assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity (JUST LISTEN!)

•  Remember that LGBTQ people are a diverse group •  Stand up! Express support for LGBTQ people and

confront derogatory statements, even when you don’t think there is an LGBTQ person around

Language is of Key Importance

Words to AVOID

•  Lifestyle •  Homosexual •  Sexual preference •  Transgendered,

Transsexual, Transvestite

•  They, them, their •  “What are your pronouns?” •  “Partner,” “Are you seeing

someone?”

Don’t be afraid to say, "I don't understand, but I want to be respectful of you." Being a good ally does not

mean that you never get confused or make mistakes. It means that you are doing everything in

your power to learn and act in a respectful way, always - even when you don't understand.

Preventing Suicide

Warning Signs for Suicide Signs of Suicide CRISIS

•  Talking about wanting to die to to kill oneself •  Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as

searching online or obtaining a gun •  Talking about feeling hopeless or having no

reason to live

Immediately call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-TALK, or

a mental health professional

Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (2014, July). Suicide prevention among LGBT youth: A workshop for professionals who serve youth. [Rev. ed.]. Waltham, MA: Education Development Center, Inc.

Warning Signs These behaviors may indicate a serious,

immediate risk, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, and/or seems related to a painful

event, loss, or change.

•  Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain •  Talking about being a burden to someone(s) •  Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs •  Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (2014, July). Suicide prevention among LGBT youth: A workshop for professionals who serve youth. [Rev. ed.]. Waltham, MA: Education Development Center, Inc.

Warning Signs These behaviors may indicate a serious,

immediate risk, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, and/or seems related to a painful

event, loss, or change.

•  Sleeping too much or too little •  Withdrawing or feeling isolated •  Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge •  Displaying extreme mood swings

Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (2014, July). Suicide prevention among LGBT youth: A workshop for professionals who serve youth. [Rev. ed.]. Waltham, MA: Education Development Center, Inc.

When Someone may be Suicidal but is not in immediate danger

•  Be aware and watchful for warning signs •  Become available, show interest and support •  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a great

resource if you are worried about someone (800) 273-TALK •  Stay calm

http://www.take5tosavelives.org

What to Say “I’m here, you’re not alone.”

[LISTEN]

“Are you having thoughts of suicide?”

“I care about you.”

What NOT to Say 1.  Your life is not that bad. 2.  Would you really hurt me like that? 3.  Suicide is selfish. 4.  Suicide is cowardly. 5.  You don’t mean that. 6.  You have so much to live for. 7.  Things could be worse. 8.  Other people have worse problems than you, and they

don’t want to die. 9.  Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. 10. You will go to hell if you die by suicide.

http://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2015/03/03/what-not-to-say/ 10 Things Not to Say to a Suicidal Person © Copyright 2015 Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW,

How to get help for someone who is suicidal

•  Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills •  Get help by reaching out to someone you trust

(teacher, counselor, family member) •  When the person is no longer at immediate risk, help

them make an appointment to see a mental health professional as soon as possible

•  Do not leave the person alone until they have received professional help and the risk of suicide has dissipated

•  Continue to check in with the person regularly

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK

UNI Crisis Line (U of U) (801) 587-3000

Trevor Lifeline (support for LGBTQ youth)

(866) 488-7386

Contact Us

Rachel Peterson, MS rachelpetersonms@gmail.com

Marian Edmonds Allen, Mdiv marian.edmonds@gmail.com