LGBTQ+ Suicide Statistics
True of False: LGBTQ folks have higher rates of suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.
True!
Name one risk factor of suicide:
1. Serious or chronic mental illness
2. Family or personal history
3. Substance abuse
4. Access to firearms
Do you have to be a licensed mental health professional to help a suicidal person in need?
Absolutely not! Talking to a suicidal person and asking directly if they have plans or have thought of ways to kill themselves actually shows the suicidal person that you are listening and are there for them.
Is having a discussion about suicide a bad idea?
False. Talking to someone if/when they are suicidal does not increase likelihood of follow through. It actually helps the person feel seen and listened to and often times can help eliminate means.
True or False: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people.
True! Although research has not quite determined how LGBTQ folks are disproportionately affected by this due to insufficient national data.
Access to _____ can be a risk factor for suicide.
Firearms
Pills
Substances
Extension chords/Ropes
Sharp objects
High buildings/bridges
Name two warning signs of suicide.
1. Excessive or extreme signs of distress
2. Trouble concentrating
3. Extreme mood changes
4. Confusion and difficulty thinking or problems with concentrating and learning
5. Significant changes in behavior
Should you ever leave an actively suicidal person alone?
No! Either stay with them or get them to someone or someplace that will make sure they are safe.
True or False. Eliminating someone's planned method of killing themselves will cause a suicidal person to change their plan and try a different method on the spot.
False! Many suicidal people have thoughts about a suicide plan but most have not thought of an alternative plan or “plan B” If you can interfere and eliminate means, you can often stop their suicide.
At what rate compared to heterosexual counterparts do LGB youth seriously contemplate suicide?
LGB youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost 3x's the rate of heterosexual youth.
What percent of suicide victims are under the influence?
1/3 of suicide victims
True or False. When someone is suicidal, they are 100% sure they want to die.
False. Often times, a suicidal person is ambivalent. Part of them wants to die and another part of them does not. Talking to someone and encouraging them to listen to that part of them that wants to live to help them pull themselves out and see alternatives. Suicidal folks often have tunnel vision and need help seeing other possibilities/solutions to the problem.
Name at least two questions you can ask a suicidal person during a crisis.
Are you thinking of killing yourself?
Can you tell me why suicide seems like the answer?
Who else knows that you are thinking about suicide?
Have you thought about suicide in the past?
What caused you to change your mind in the past?
Name two examples of Protective Factors that can help prevent against suicide.
Family acceptance and support
Support system (friends, chosen family, therapy, etc.)
A sense of safety
A positive sense of identity
Reducing anti-LGBT stigma and prejudice
Reducing bullying and other forms of victimization
Access to LGBT affirming physical and mental health care
Legal protections from discrimination
For what age group is suicide the 2nd leading cause of death?
10-24
Why can substance abuse be a risk factor for suicide?
Substance abuse can make impulsive decisions more likely, exaggerate emotional struggles, and make it harder to process emotions healthily.
True or False: People who have depression will all experience suicidal thoughts at some point in their life.
False. Not everyone who has depression will experience suicidal thoughts. It is still a risk factor and should be assessed regularly.
Who should you contact if someone is actively suicidal?
Either get the person on a suicide hotline or call 911 if you can't control the situation.
______ is sometimes described as the ability to adapt to stress and adversity. It is one of several protective factors that can reduce the likelihood of suicide attempts and suicide deaths.
Resilience
Name three reasons why LGBTQ Folks have higher rates of suicide.
Homophobia
Transphobia
Discrimination
Lack of policies to protect from harassment
Inability to live in alignment of desired gender identity or sexual orientation
Lack of access to affirmative care
Bullying
Harassment
Sexual harassment
Victimization
Identity related stigma
What are some examples of family or personal history that can contribute to suicide risk?
Mental disorders, especially depression
Alcohol or drug dependence
Eating or conduct disorders
Family history of suicide, trauma, physical or sexual abuse
History of psychiatric hospitalization and non-suicidal self-harm behavior
Chronic physical illness, including chronic pain and/or traumatic brain injury
Social isolation, loneliness or hopelessness, and feeling a burden to others
Impulsive, reckless tendencies and aggressive or violent behaviors.
Loss and major events (e.g., relational, social, work, financial, divorce.
Unwillingness to seek help or have trouble accessing help
Access to lethal means (e.g., prescription medications, firearms, knives, and poisons)
What is an example of excessive or extreme signs of distress?
1. Excessive worrying or fear
2. Extreme sadness
3. Prolonged irritability or anger
4. Increase in reckless behaviors
5. Preoccupation with death or pain
What are the five steps of navigating a mental health crisis? (Name 3/5)
1. Determine the urgency of the situation
2. Listen non-judgmentally
3. Give reassurance and information
4. Encourage appropriate professional help
5. Encourage self-help and other support strategies
*Note that you don't need to take these steps in order
Research has shown a link between repeated, sensationalized media coverage of suicide, and a subsequent increase in suicide deaths—a phenomenon known as __________.
Suicide Contagion.
Contagion risk tends to occur when there is a high volume and prominence of media stories about a suicide death, when details about the circumstances or methods of the suicide are emphasized, and when persons who have died by suicide are depicted in ways that encourage identification by vulnerable individuals.