Preventing suicide within the LGBTQ+ community

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or sex, per the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. But data suggests people who identify as LGBTQ+ are at greater risk for suicide attempts.

Though suicide is a multi-faceted issue with many contributing factors, some of those include:

• Social isolation
• Low self-esteem
• Substance use problems
• Family rejection
• Depression and anxiety
• Bullying and harassment
• Laws and public policies that encourage stigma and discrimination

For young LGBTQ+ people that risk is even higher. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times more likely to commit suicide than their peers. This data comes from The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to helping end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. They also point out that “existing research points to increased disparities for bisexual youth, transgender and nonbinary youth, and LGBTQ+ youth of color.”

Reducing the likelihood of suicide attempts in the LGBTQ+ community

The good news is there’s a lot we can do to reduce the risk of suicide within the LGBTQ+ population. Acceptance, protection, and intersectionality play a large part in increasing the well-being of LGBTQ+ identifying individuals, as well as:

• Family affirmation and acceptance
• Reducing bullying and other forms of victimization
• Reducing stigma and prejudice
• Increased access to LGBTQ+ affirming mental healthcare
• Increased legal protections from discrimination and related practices, such as conversion therapy

Ways you can be a visible LGBTQ+ ally:

• Introduce yourself with your name and pronouns. Invite others to do the same.
• If you’re able, decorate your space with items that signify allyship. This could be a pronoun button, a flag, or a poster of an LGBTQ+ film or artist.
• Do not tolerate bullying or harassment. If it happens, hold the person accountable.
• Talk positively about LGBTQ+ people. Even in instances where it’s not appropriate to share their identity, this can show allyship. Always condemn acts of erasure if you’re able.
• Encourage visual cues of allyship, such as ‘safe space’ stickers or rainbow flags.

The Trevor Project suggests that LGBTQ+ youth with one accepting adult have lower rates of attempting suicide. Similarly, a peer-reviewed study published in Transgender Health “found that transgender and nonbinary youth who reported gender identity acceptance from adults and peers had significantly lower odds of attempting suicide in the past year.”

If you’re struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, help is out there. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for an emergency. You can also check out Optum Health to find a behavioral health professional near you. ​

Lyra mental health support is another resource available to many Mass General Brigham Health Plan members.​ Discover Lyra.

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