June is Pride Month, when the LGBTQ community celebrates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and the fight for the right to live free from discrimination. Although much progress has been made, society still has a long way to go toward acceptance, and queer teens commonly struggle with mental health issues. It’s often difficult to talk about mental health. Parents worry that they will say the wrong thing, and teens worry about the potential for being stigmatized for their differences. Because of this, people often retreat to silence, yet silence will only make the problem grow worse. If you are an LGBTQ teen or the parent of one, know that it’s okay to talk about mental health. When you’re struggling to find the right words, you can turn to a mental health counselor to help you find your voice.

Help Options for the LGBTQ Community

There are many help options available for the LGBTQ community, ranging from private mental health counselors to public school counselors to suicide prevention hotlines. Teens who have thoughts of harming themselves are strongly encouraged to reach out for help. There is hope for the future, but you have to take the first step by asking someone for help.

You can ask your parents to arrange a mental health counseling appointment or you can call a hotline. (The Trevor Project—a nonprofit that strives to prevent suicide in the LGBTQ community—offers the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.) If you have a trusted friend, you can confide in them about your struggles. If you aren’t sure where else to turn and you are seriously contemplating suicide, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Rates of Suicide for Queer Teens

Among all young people ages 10 to 24, suicide is the second most common cause of death. This is distressing, but even more alarming is the high rates of suicide for queer teens in particular. Compared to their counterparts, LGBTQ teens are nearly five times as likely to have attempted suicide. Furthermore, those suicide attempts are far more likely to require medical intervention for an injury, overdose, or other form of toxicity.

The problem does not end when queer teens grow up. People who experienced mental health difficulties as youths are more likely to struggle with them as adults. For example, transgender individuals who attempt suicide in their youth are highly likely to attempt it in adulthood. This underscores the urgent need to connect queer teens with the support services they need to improve their mental well-being, both now and for the future.

Causes of High Suicide Rates in Queer Teens

All teens from all walks of life have a compelling need to “fit in.” They strive to be similar to their peers because quite often, those who have differences are singled out for relentless bullying. This problem is particularly pronounced for teens in the LGBTQ community. These youths often already struggle with self-esteem and self-confidence. They may have trouble trying to assert and explain their self-identities to others during a time when they might not quite understand it themselves. As these teens struggle to forge their own path in life, they are especially vulnerable to the social stigma that gives rise to bullying. LGBTQ teens frequently suffer from verbal and physical harassment, and each instance of anti-queer bullying can increase the risk of self-harm by 2.5 times.

Rejection from their peers is one major cause of the alarmingly high rates of suicides for queer teens, but it isn’t the only one. LGBTQ teens also frequently face rejection from their families. Family members are expected to look out for one another, to support each other and love each other no matter what. Yet, many queer teens come out only to discover that their family members don’t understand them or reject them outright. Compared to LGBTQ teens whose family members accept them, those who face familial rejection are 8.4 times more likely to try to take their own lives.

Tips for Talking with Others About Suicide

People often find it difficult to talk about mental health, particularly suicide. It’s challenging to find the right words. Yet, open communication and expressions of support are absolutely crucial for suicide prevention. Queer teens who are thinking about suicide need to know that other people accept them, respect them, and support them. If you’re an LGBTQ teen or the parent of one, you can use the tips below to get the conversation started.

How to talk to your kids— For parents, it’s tough to talk about sexuality and mental health. This is especially true if you aren’t sure if your child is struggling. However, your teen may be looking to you to start the conversation. The most important thing you can do to support your LGBTQ child is to let them know that you love them unconditionally and accept them for who they are. You are their protector against an outside world that doesn’t always understand them.

It can sometimes be helpful to begin the conversation with an observation. Say, “Hey, it seems like you’ve been having a hard time at school lately. Have other kids been bullying you?” Sometimes, teens might hesitate to answer questions honestly. Another strategy to try is to proactively offer resources without asking if they are needed. Let your child know that you’re aware many in the LGBTQ community struggle with mental health issues, and that you are always willing to connect your child to a mental health counselor or support group.

How to talk to your parents— If you’re a queer teen, you should know that your parents might not know that something is wrong unless you tell them. Let your parents know if you’ve been subjected to harassment, bullying, or discrimination at school, online, or elsewhere.

Teens who are thinking about suicide may use phrases such as “I’m done” or “I just can’t take it anymore.” Although it’s difficult to do so, try to use more specific statements, as vague ones can be misinterpreted. Let your parents know that you have been having thoughts of suicide and that you need help. Ideally, your parents will bring you to a mental health counselor so you can get the help you need. If your parents are less than understanding, please don’t give up hope. Call a suicide prevention hotline (1-866-488-7386) or talk to a trusted friend, and know that there is hope for the future.

Queer teens need a great deal of support, understanding, and compassion as they reaffirm their self-identities and develop self-confidence. At Integrated Behavioral Health, we work with teens and parents who are facing challenges with mental health ranging from suicidal thoughts to depression to anxiety. Our providers maintain an inclusive environment in which all can feel safe to be themselves. Contact one of our Alabama clinics to request an in-person or telehealth appointment or call us at 855-422-1618.

Source for All Statistics: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/preventing-suicide/facts-about-suicide/