Most teens need help and support at some point, and GLBT teens are no exception. Here is where gay teens can get help for everything from feeling depressed and suicidal to facing homelessness or being the victim of anti-gay bullying.
Suicide
Teen suicide is a serious subject in the gay community. In recent years, more attention has been paid to gay teen suicides and researchers have found that GLBT teens are at greater risk of committing suicide than are straight teens. It's not that being gay alone makes you more likely to want to take your own life, but being forced to hide your sexual orientation, or being persecuted for who you are can lead to suicidal feelings.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please get help immediately. You can contact the Trevor Project at, 1-866-4-U-Trevor.
You can also read more about the risk factors and warning signs for GLBT teen suicide in the article, What Parents and Friends of GLBT Teens Need to Know to Help Prevent Suicide.
Mental Health
Health is more than just quitting smoking and getting enough exercise. Our mental health is as important as our physcial well being, and it is important for gay and lesbian to take care of this part of who they are. GLBT teens can get help for things like depression, anxiety and even stress all of which can take a toll on your overall mental health and wellness.
A lot of teens find it useful to talk to a therapist to help deal with these issues. You can get a referal from your family doctor, or from a school nurse, guidance counselor or psychologist. It is often a good idea to get a GLBT-friendly therapist.
If you aren't in a position to see a therapist, you might want to consider calling a hotline. The GLBT Youth Talkline is a good place to start. Reach them at 1-800-246-PRIDE
Bullying
The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has found that nine out of ten gay teens are the victims of anti-gay bullying. If you are one of the, the first line of defense is to think about what you can do about the situation. Here are some ideas:- Tell the bully to stop.
- Protect yourself.
- Find a safe place. Go somewhere that you feel secure.
- Stay with a group of kids you feel safe with.
- If the bullying is online, block the person, or take a break from social networking sites.
However, in many cases, the only way to really make bullying stop is to get an adult involved. Within your school you can talk to the administration, a guidance counselor, or a teacher that you trust. Outside of school, try to get help from a parent or guardian, or from another adult who supports you.
The GLSEN website also has a lot of resources on bullying that are helpful.
Homelessness
Homelessness is a serious problem for GLBT youth. Indeed, a recent study out of the Children's Hospital of Boston found that 1 in 4 lesbian or gay teens and 15 percent of bisexual teens are homeless. That's a lot more than the 3% percent of straight teens who find themselves without a home.
If you are currently homeless or fear you might become homeless, contact your local GLBT Community Center and ask to be put in touch with appropriate service organizations.
Additionally, many states have services that cater to homeless GLBT teens. The Ali Forney Center in New York City is one such place. They offer an excellent resource list of similar centers in 15 states.
