Suicide Prevention & Support Resources

Please know that Identifying as LGBTQ+ does not cause mental health disparities, and the majority of LGBTQ+ people who experience stressful external factors, like those listed below, do not become suicidal.

 
 
KNOW THE SIGNS

· Acting anxious, agitated, or reckless

· Drastic changes in behavior

· Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself

· Looking or researching a way to kill oneself

· Drug and/or alcohol abuse

ASK QUESTIONS

· Do you have a plan to commit suicide or take your life? Have you thought about when or how you would do it?

 

· Are you thinking about killing yourself?

· Have you attempted suicide before?

· Are you seeing a doctor or mental health professional?

 Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling.

Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide reduces suicidal thoughts. It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

 
KEEP THEM SAFE

Be there and stay with the person, either on the phone or in-person until you can connect them to other resources and professional help.

Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

 

 
HELP THEM CONNECT

Know the resources available in your area and save several emergency numbers to your cell phone. The ability to get immediate help for yourself or for a friend can make a difference.

· The phone number for a trusted friend or relative

· 24/7 LGBTQ Youth Helpline (Trevor Project): 866-488-7386

· Crisis Text Line (Alex Project): Text “LISTEN” to 741741

· National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

· Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

· Butte County Crisis Line: 530-891-2810 or 800-334-6622

STAY CONNECTED

Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.