This presentation is being used as part of a suicide prevention initiative in Provo, Utah. It was developed by Rachel Peterson, MS, based on best practices. More info on the project may be found at http://lgbtqyouth.org/resources/lgbtq-youth-suicide/pilot-prevention-project

1. Preventing
Suicide among
LGBTQ Youth

2. • asdfsd

3. And now….SCIENCE!
Is sexual orientation a choice?
Sexual orientation is NOT
a choice.
Conversion Therapy is unethical.

4. • Homelessness
• Health disparities
• Victimization and
trafficking
• Suicide
LGBTQ
Youth
Experience:
Which can
Lead to:
• Bullying (school)
• Family Rejection
(home)
• Hostile Climate
(community)

5. Chronic stress related to harassment and fear of
being outed leads to increased levels of anxiety
and depression among LGTBQ youth. This puts
them at high risk for suicide.
- CWLA Guidelines
According to a survey of LGBTQ youth
in Northern Utah, 62% had attempted
suicide, the majority more than once.

6. {Lets you in}When someone
comes out to you
• Just LISTEN
• Show interest and care
• Match their words
• Mirror their emotions
• KEEP INFORMATION
DISCLOSED
CONFIDENTIAL

7. What is an ?
A person of any sexual orientation or gender identity who
supports and honors diversity in gender and orientation, who
works toward combating homophobia and transphobia, and is
willing to explore and understand these forms of bias within him/
her/themself.
• Don’t make assumptions about someone’s sexual
orientation or gender identity (JUST LISTEN!)
• Remember that LGBTQ people are a diverse group
• Stand up! Express support for LGBTQ people and
confront derogatory statements, even when you
don’t think there is an LGBTQ person around

8. Language is of Key Importance
Words to AVOID
• Lifestyle
• Homosexual
• Sexual preference
• Transgendered,
Transsexual,
Transvestite
• They, them, their
• “What are your pronouns?”
• “Partner,” “Are you seeing
someone?”

9. Don’t be afraid to say, "I don't understand, but I want
to be respectful of you." Being a good ally does not
mean that you never get confused or make
mistakes. It means that you are doing everything in
your power to learn and act in a respectful way,
always - even when you don't understand.

10. Preventing Suicide

11. Warning Signs for Suicide
Signs of Suicide CRISIS
• Talking about wanting to die to to kill oneself
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as
searching online or obtaining a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no
reason to live
Immediately call National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline 1 (800) 273-TALK, or
a mental health professional
Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (2014, July). Suicide prevention among LGBT youth: A workshop for
professionals who serve youth. [Rev. ed.]. Waltham, MA: Education Development Center, Inc.

12. Warning Signs
These behaviors may indicate a serious,
immediate risk, especially if the behavior is new,
has increased, and/or seems related to a painful
event, loss, or change.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to someone(s)
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (2014, July). Suicide prevention among LGBT youth: A workshop for
professionals who serve youth. [Rev. ed.]. Waltham, MA: Education Development Center, Inc.

13. Warning Signs
These behaviors may indicate a serious,
immediate risk, especially if the behavior is new,
has increased, and/or seems related to a painful
event, loss, or change.
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (2014, July). Suicide prevention among LGBT youth: A workshop for
professionals who serve youth. [Rev. ed.]. Waltham, MA: Education Development Center, Inc.

14. When Someone may be Suicidal
but is not in immediate danger
• Be aware and watchful for warning signs
• Become available, show interest and support
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a great
resource if you are worried about someone
(800) 273-TALK
• Stay calm
http://www.take5tosavelives.org

15. What to Say
“I’m here, you’re not alone.”
[LISTEN]
“Are you having
thoughts of suicide?”
“I care about you.”

16. What NOT to Say
1. Your life is not that bad.
2. Would you really hurt me like that?
3. Suicide is selfish.
4. Suicide is cowardly.
5. You don’t mean that.
6. You have so much to live for.
7. Things could be worse.
8. Other people have worse problems than you, and they
don’t want to die.
9. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
10. You will go to hell if you die by suicide.
http://www.speakingofsuicide.com/2015/03/03/what-not-to-say/
10 Things Not to Say to a Suicidal Person © Copyright 2015 Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW,

17. How to get help for someone
who is suicidal
• Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills
• Get help by reaching out to someone you trust
(teacher, counselor, family member)
• When the person is no longer at immediate risk, help
them make an appointment to see a mental health
professional as soon as possible
• Do not leave the person alone until they have
received professional help and the risk of suicide
has dissipated
• Continue to check in with the person regularly

18. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-TALK
UNI Crisis Line (U of U)
(801) 587-3000
Trevor Lifeline
(support for LGBTQ youth)
(866) 488-7386

19. Contact Us
Rachel Peterson, MS
rachelpetersonms@gmail.com
Marian Edmonds Allen, Mdiv
marian.edmonds@gmail.com