Teen suicide is a pretty heavy subject. Sadly, GLBT adolescents may be even more likely to commit or attempt suicide than are straight teens.
However, it is important to realize that being GLBT itself is not a risk factor for suicide. Rather, the negative treatment that many GLBT teens endure can lead to suicidal feelings.
The Trevor Project is a suicide helpline geared towards gay teens. It was first launched to coincide with an HBO movie called, Trevor about a 13-year-old boy who attempts suicide after being harassed for his sexual orientation.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens who are feeling suicidal or who are in crisis can call the toll free hotline at, 866-4-U-Trevor, for free, confidential help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Trevor Project also offers help online. In addition to providing information for teens, educators and parents, young people can ask questions through the website.
The Trevor Project offers these suicide warning signs:
- A tendency toward isolation and social withdrawal
- Increasing substance abuse
- Expression of negative attitudes toward self
- Expression of hopelessness or helplessness
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Giving away valued possessions
- Expression of a lack of future orientation: "It won't matter soon anyway."
- For someone who has been very depressed, when that depression begins to lift, the individual may be at INCREASED risk of suicide, as the individual will have the psychological energy to follow-through on suicidal ideation.
The Trevor Project relies on volunteers to continue its work. If you are interested in helping out, check out their website to see if there is an area where you would be a good match.
The Trevor Project has created a number of powerful public service announcements which you can watch on their site.
