Suicide Hotline Number - 988
**Trigger Warning: Suicide**
Beginning on July 16, 2022, The National Suicide Prevention Hotline will now have an emergency crisis number. In addition to their hotline, you will soon be able to dial 988 for crisis assistance.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in America for people of all ages. The World Health Organization lists suicide as the 4th leading cause of death among 15-19-year-olds. According to the Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. The 2021 national mental health survey mentions increased numbers in trans and nonbinary youth. This is serious and requires an urgent call to action. With anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on the rise, and increased isolation during the COVID pandemic, mental health support is critical now more than ever.
Suicide ideation and attempts can impact anyone at any time for a variety of factors, and it’s important to educate yourself and be aware of warning signs and familiarize yourself with the DO’s and DONT’s when supporting someone who may be suicidal. Through increased awareness, education, and taking action, you can be a lifeline for someone else. The more we know, the more we can help de-stigmatize mental health and provide safer spaces and better support to those who may be struggling with suicide.
Understand some of the risk factors:
- Individuals who struggle with mental health such as anxiety, depression, and/or personality and mood disorders
- Substance abuse
- Isolation
- Hopelessness
- History of trauma or abuse
- Family history of suicide
- Big losses in life: loved ones, breakups/divorces, financial or job, etc.
- Previous suicide attempts
- Access to lethal means
- Lack of access to proper health care (substance abuse assistance, mental health, etc)
Look for some of the warning signs:
- Talking about wanting to die or end life
- Talking about and/or feeling hopeless or losing the will to live
- Talking about and/or feeling trapped or in an unbearable amount of pain
- Mentioning being a burden to others
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Sleeping little or too much
- Extreme mood swings
- Withdrawing or isolating self
- Showing rage or seeking revenge
Remember the 5 Action Steps when supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal ideation or action:
- ASK
- BE THERE
- KEEP THEM SAFE
- HELP THEM CONNECT
- FOLLOW UP
As part of the Pride and Joy Foundation’s mission to reduce the rate of suicide and homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community, we offer suicide prevention workshops to college aged students. If you or someone you know could benefit from intervention training, we would love to talk to you about how we can help! Whether you work at a collegiate university or attend one, we regularly offer these 90 minute workshops to up to 2 participants. You can inquire or schedule a workshop through the Pride and Joy Foundation here.
Although our workshops have an age cap on them, you can always find universal support through The National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal ideation, thoughts or behaviors, please seek professional help. You are not alone.
LGBTQ+ Specific Resources:
Pride and Joy Foundation Ask. Listen. Plan Workshops.
https://www.prideandjoyfoundation.com/alp
Suicide Prevention Lifeline- LGBTQ+ page
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq/ (website will direct to an online chat as well)
Phone: 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or 9-8-8
The Trevor Project
TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386
TrevorChat (computer access): Direct Link to Trevor Chat
TrevorText: START to 678-678
This link will take you directly to support via chat, call or text 24/7 365 days a year
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
Trans LifeLine
1-877-565-8860
