LGBTQ+
The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and strong, but may be disproportionately at-risk for suicidal feelings and other mental health struggles because of the discrimination and prejudice they too often are up against. This section has information and resources for yourself and to help support loved ones who are LGBTQ+.
How To Take Care Of Yourself
If you're struggling, you can call or chat with the Lifeline. We're available 24/7 and confidential.
Know you are not alone: LGBTQ+ people are everywhere and many have experienced similar joys and struggles. Check out the stories of hope and recovery at the bottom of the page to learn how some LGBTQ+ people have coped during hard times.
Build your support network: Develop a support network in your life who will help keep you safe and who you can lean on if you feel depressed or suicidal.
Talk to someone: Silence isn’t strength. Don’t keep suicidal feelings to yourself. Lean on your support network, find a therapist or a support group, or get in touch with the Lifeline.
Make a safety plan: Have a step-by-step plan ready for if/when you feel depressed, suicidal, or in crisis, so you can start at step one and continue through the steps until you feel safe.
How To Help
We all have a role in preventing suicide. Learn how to support and be an ally to your LGBTQ+ loved ones.
Be an ally: If you’re straight, publicly show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re LGBTQ+, affirm your identity and offer support to loved ones.
Know the facts: Over 80% of LGBTQ+ youth have been assaulted or threatened, and every instance of victimization in an LGBTQ+ person’s life more than doubles the likelihood of self-harming.
Ask and listen: Be an active part of your LGBTQ+ loved ones’ support systems and check in with them often. If they show any warning signs for suicide, be direct. Tell them it’s OK to talk about suicidal feelings. Practice active listening techniques and let them talk without judgment.
Get them help and take care of yourself: Don’t be afraid to get your loved one the help they might need. The Lifeline is always here to talk or chat, both for crisis intervention and to support allies.
Strong family bonds, safe schools and support from caring adults can all protect LGBTQ youth from depression and suicidality (Committee on Adolescence 2013).
Family and community support: For transgender children and youth, family and community support makes all the difference. A recent study found that transgender children whose families affirmed their gender identity were as psychologically healthy as their non- transgender peers (Olson 2016).
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Out trans Army sergeant Shane wants others like him to know that they're not alone.
"We as a nation need to start the healing by showing and supporting our own humanity."
Read Shane's Story
This story appears via The Advocate.
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For Grace, all it took was one day for her to change her life and her mindset. Grace is the founder of the Best Day Project, a LGBTQIA youth suicide prevention web series.
"I challenged myself from that day to just be the exact kind of person I want to be and live the exact kind of life I want to, and it’s just–it was up to me to do it. So, I just started living for the day, just enjoying everything I could [and] really making good decisions."
Read Grace's Story
This story appears via Live Through This, a Lifeline partner.
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When Anna came to terms with her sexuality, she realized that everyone's journey to happiness is unique.
"There is not one way to accept yourself, as there is not one way to fall in love, or to be happy, or to pick your favorite color."
Read Anna's Story
This story appears via You Matter, a Lifeline initiative.
