Suicide Prevention for LGBT Teens
![iStock_000000815891Small[1] depressed girl looking down](https://www.psychalive.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/iStock_000000815891Small1-depressed-girl-looking-down-150x150.jpg "iStock_000000815891Small[1] depressed girl looking down")
“We have a responsibility to be better to each other, and accept each others’ differences regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ability, or religion and stand up for someone when they’re bullied. When a friend is feeling depressed or says they’re thinking of killing themselves, we must take it seriously and get them help.” – Daniel Radcliffe, Actor
If you or someone you know is experiencing self-destructive or suicidal thoughts, it is essential that you seek help by talking to someone. Call The Trevor Lifeline at 866-488-7386, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and seek the care or counseling needed. It is important to talk to someone about what you are going through and to engage in coping strategies that can keep you safe.
If a friend of yours is feeling distressed, depressed or troubled by bullying, prejudice, family problems, bad grades, a recent breakup or just seems to be feeling down, don’t be afraid to ask if he or she would like to talk with you. Don’t be afraid to ask if he or she is having self-destructive thoughts. Remember that you cannot afford to keep your friend’s secret if they are at risk. You can help save a life. Resources are available that you can use to get help or to help someone you know out of a self-destructive state or a suicidal crisis. Here you can learn about the warning signs of suicide and what you can do to help save a life.
PsychAlive has taken the It Gets Better Project’s pledge in support of gay teens telling them that the suicidal state is temporary. You can withstand hard times, and it does get better.
The Pledge
“We are the kids who have been bullied for being gay, lesbian, bi or trans. We pledge to stay open and strong. We are also the friends, family members, teachers, mentors, and allies of anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit in, gay or straight. We pledge to talk to the kids in our lives to put an end to the hate, violence, and tragedy — and to offer advice on coping, strategies to make it better, and to remind kids that It Gets Better.” Learn more about the It Gets Better Project here
The Trevor Project
If you are considering suicide or need help, call the Trevor Project now: 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you or someone you know is in crisis or in need of immediate help, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
This is a free hotline available 24 hours a day to anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
International readers can click here for a list of helplines and crisis centers around the world.
Watch columnist and founder of the It Gets Better Project, Dan Savage, and his husband, Terry Miller, tell their stories of growing up as gay teens and how life got better for them. As Miller says, “If you can live through high school, which you can … you’re going to have a great life. It’s going to be the envy of all those people that picked on you.” See the video from Dan and Terry below or to see the hundreds of video messages from people speaking on how it gets better visit the It Gets Better Project YouTube Channel.
Watch Ellen DeGeneres’ important message about bullying!
The Trevor Project
It Gets Better Project
Suicide Prevention Resource Center – Teens
American Association of Suicidology – If You Are Considering Suicide American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Teen Suicide Prevention Campaign
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Jed Foundation – Students
Teenline – Teens Helping Teens – Hotline, Live Chat and Message Boards
Click here to locate a therapist in your area
Coping Suggestions for the Suicidal Person
The Glendon Association “Save a Life” Brochure
Dr. Lisa Firestone’s “The Warning Signs of Suicide” &“Suicide: How You Can Help Someone at Risk”
Suicide Prevention Resource Center for Teens
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