Suicide prevention is a critical issue for everyone, and it’s especially vital within the LGBTQ community. Studies show that LGBTQ individuals are more likely to have mental health problems and consider suicide compared to their cisgender peers. This increased risk has nothing to do with the person. It is due to factors like discrimination, social stigma, family rejection, and bullying. Understanding these challenges for LGBTQ folks is crucial. It will help ensure they receive the appropriate support and resources they need. In this blog, we will explore why LGBTQ folks are at higher risk for suicide and how services need to be specialized. We will also highlight 5 LGBTQ-specific suicide resources.

The Extra Risk for LGBTQ Folks

Research indicates that LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. According to a survey by The Trevor Project, 42% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. This rate is higher among transgender and nonbinary youth, with over 50% reporting serious suicidal thoughts.

The reasons behind these alarming statistics are complex. LGBTQ individuals often face rejection from their families. This leads to a lack of support and feelings of isolation. They also can experience bullying and harassment at school or work. Societal stigma and discrimination contribute to a sense of not being accepted. This can impact their mental well-being and make feelings of depression and anxiety worse.

Recognizing Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are when someone thinks about ending their own life. These thoughts can sometimes feel very strong. At other times, they might seem comforting. No matter how they feel, they are very serious and should not be ignored. If you feel sad, angry, or hopeless, you might believe that life is too hard and that things will never get better. These feelings can make you think about escaping the pain by considering suicide.

Examples of Suicidal Thoughts

• Thinking About Death: Imagining what it would be like to die or not exist anymore.

• Feeling Hopeless: Believing that things will never improve.

• Feeling Like a Burden: Thinking your family or friends would be better off without you.

• Planning Suicide: Thinking about how and when you might end your life.

Taking Action

It is important to take all suicidal thoughts and warning signs seriously. These thoughts indicate that you are struggling and need more support. There are people who care and are ready to help. Whether it be through a text, therapy, or other resources. If you have plans or have started taking steps towards ending your life, it is crucial to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call 911, or go to your local emergency room immediately.

Why Specialized Suicide Prevention Services are Needed

Due to the unique challenges LGBTQ folks face, suicide prevention services need to be designed to meet their needs. Here are some key reasons why specialized services are necessary:

1. Understanding and Acceptance: LGBTQ-specific services should be run by people who understand the unique experiences and challenges of this community. This ensures that individuals receive compassionate and knowledgeable care.

2. Safe Spaces: LGBTQ-friendly resources provide an environment where individuals feel accepted and understood. Feeling validated in one's identity can reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness.

3. Peer Support: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be incredibly powerful. Many LGBTQ resources offer support groups where folks can share their stories and offer support.

4. Comprehensive Care: LGBTQ-friendly services can help individuals navigate other resources. Examples include healthcare providers and legal services. This ensures they receive comprehensive care that respects their identity.

The Importance of Support Networks

Having a strong support network is important for anyone dealing with mental health issues. It is especially important for LGBTQ individuals. Support networks can include friends, family, teachers, counselors, and community organizations. These networks provide emotional support, practical help, and a sense of belonging.

For many LGBTQ individuals, finding supportive friends and family can be challenging. Some may face rejection or even hostility from those they hoped would support them. This is why LGBTQ-specific organizations and resources are so vital. They can offer a safe space where individuals feel accepted and understood. It's a place where they can connect with others who share similar experiences.

How to Support LGBTQ Friends

If you have friends who identify as LGBTQ, there are several ways you can support them:

1. Listen and Validate: Let them know you are there to listen without judgment. Validate their feelings and experiences.

2. Educate Yourself: Learn about LGBTQ issues and challenges. This can help you understand what your friends might be going through.

3. Be an Ally: Stand up against bullying and discrimination. Show your support by being an ally in both words and actions.

4. Encourage Professional Help: Encourage your friends to seek professional help if they are struggling with their mental health. Offer to help them find LGBTQ-friendly therapists or support groups.

5. Stay Connected: Regular check-ins can make a big difference. Let your friends know you are thinking about them and that you care.

LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Resources

1. National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Specialized LGBTQl+ services are available nationwide for youth and young adults to connect with a skilled, compassionate counselor 24/7. Read our blog to learn more about what happens when you call the suicide lifeline!

Call: 988, select Option 3

Text PRIDE to 988

2. The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide information & support to LGBTQ+ 
young people 24/7, all year round.

Call: 1-866-488-7386

Text: TREVOR to 202-304-1200

Chat Online via thetrevorproject.org

3. Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.

Call: 1-877-565-8860

4. SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline

“SAGE is the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older people. SAGE partnered with HearMe, an LGBTQ+-founded mental wellness app that allows clients to text one-on-one with trained empathetic listeners, 24/7. In this partnership with SAGE, HearMe offers exclusive, round-the-clock access to culturally competent, empathetic LGBTQ+ and allied listeners who understand your life experiences. Our listeners are trained in LGBTQ+ and aging issues. They’re here to provide you with the support, understanding, and connection you deserve.”

To sign up as a HearMe user, please click here.  

Call: 877-360-5428

5. The LGBT National Hotline

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) National Help Center, founded in 1996, is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that provides vital peer support, community connections, and resource information through helplines and online chatrooms.

• Call LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564

• Call LGBT National Coming Out Hotline: 888-688-5428

• Call LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743

• Call LGBT National Senior Hotline: 888-234-7243

• Visit their website for online peer support chats and weekly youth chatrooms for ages 19 and younger!

Hotline Hours:
Mon-Fri: 4 pm - Midnight (Eastern Time)
Sat: Noon - 5 pm (Eastern Time)

Start LGBTQ Therapy for Suicide Prevention in Detroit, Michigan

Are you looking for LGBTQ affirming therapy? Look no further! Embodied Wellness, PLLC provides online LGBT therapy. We have therapists who have specialized training in gender-affirming care so we can provide you with the support you desire for trauma, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicide, or stress.

To start LGBTQ therapy at Embodied Wellness, PLLC follow these steps:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation

2. Be matched with one of our gender-affirming therapists.

3. Be free from suicidal ideation!

Other Online Counseling Services in Michigan

At Embodied Wellness, PLLC we offer a variety of holistic treatment services for adults and teens with anxiety, depression, and OCD. We specialize in EMDR, Somatic therapy , Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and DBT for trauma. We also specialize in CBT, ERP, Empath Counseling, and Spanish Therapy. We offer online therapy in Michigan. Start overcoming your trauma today by visiting our Detroit-based practice.

About the Author: 

Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP is the founder of Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice providing online therapy in Michigan. She is passionate about expanding awareness of somatic therapy as a way to treat and heal trauma. She incorporates other holistic treatments into her practice including EMDR and IFS.