Suicide Prevention Month is a time to reflect, act and advocate for those in need of support. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 14 and the third among individuals aged 15 to 24 according to the Trevor Project.

These statistics are a wake-up call to look at the risk factors associated with suicide and focus on prevention. According to the National Library of Medicine, some risk factors include: mental health disorders, previous suicide attempts, family dynamics, specific life events and access to lethal means. Additionally, young people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, according to the Trevor Project.

Disparity between LGBTQ+ Community

The Trevor Project reveals that 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. The rates are even higher among transgender and nonbinary individuals. It’s important to note that LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently at higher risk for suicide due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. They face increased risk because of the mistreatment and stigma they encounter in society.

This disparity between LGBTQ+ youth and straight youth highlights the need for effective interventions and support systems. Social support and acceptance from peers and adults can make meaningful impacts on young people in the LGBTQ+ community. Supportive environments, acceptance and affirming practices all play a role in lowering suicide risk in the LGBTQ+ community.

Power in Social Support and Acceptance

One of the most impactful protective factors is having supportive adults and peers. LGBTQ+ young people with at least one accepting adult in their lives report significantly lower rates of suicide attempts (The Trevor Project). For example, a 2021 study published in Transgender Health found that transgender and nonbinary youth who felt accepted by those around them had notably reduced odds of attempting suicide in the past year.

Family support is equally important. LGBTQ+ youth who experience high levels of social support from their families attempt suicide at less than half the rate of those with low or moderate support. Communities that embrace LGBTQ+ individuals also contribute positively, with young people in accepting environments showing much lower rates of suicide attempts according to The Trevor Project.

Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

Specific policies and practices are essential for supporting transgender and nonbinary youth. Young people attempt suicide less frequently when their pronouns are respected and they can change the gender markers on legal documents (Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022). Those who had their pronouns respected reported suicide attempts at half the rate of those who did not (National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 2020).

Access to gender-affirming medical care, such as hormone therapy, is also crucial. Gender-affirming hormone therapy is associated with lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth (Journal of Adolescent Health, 2021).

Conclusion

To prevent suicide among young people, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+, we must prioritize creating supportive and affirming environments. This includes acceptance from adults and peers, ensuring schools are inclusive spaces, and implementing policies that respect and support transgender and nonbinary identities. By investing in these protective measures, we can help reduce suicide risk and promote the overall well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

As September comes to an end, it’s important to remember that suicide prevention is a task that must be dedicated to every day, not just during National Suicide Prevention Month. Every gesture of support counts. Reach out, listen and stand up for those who need us the most.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Blog Post by Brianna Bowman