Now Celebrating Our 30th Year of Community Service!  Watch for Exciting 30th Anniversary Details to be Announced Soon!

 

 

Established
Nov. 18, 1978

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians And Gays - Phoenix Chapter.  Proudly serving the entire Valley of the Sun...and beyond!

 

Is Your Child Contemplating Suicide?

Hopefully not.  But, better to be aware and take precautions than to be sorry later.  Your "child" may only be 12 or 13 years old, or maybe 17 or 18, or even 45, and may just now be dealing with "coming out" issues or other family/work situations which are causing immense stress and/or depression.  There are a few things you can watch out for to determine if your child is at risk and may be contemplating suicide.

Did you know:

  • Suicide rates among GLBT youth are substantially higher than that of the general youth population (1)
  • Suicide is the leading cause of death among gay and lesbian youth. (1)
  • Gay and lesbian youth are 2 to 6 times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth. (1)
  • Over 30% of all reported teen suicides each year are committed by gay and lesbian youth. (1)
  • 75 teenagers in Arizona killed themselves in 1998 (2)
  • Arizona has one of the highest teen suicide rates in the U.S. (2)
  • Arizona is comprised mostly of families who have moved here from somewhere else leaving extended family members and close friends behind, and neighbors here tend to keep to themselves, all which may result in a more pronounced feeling of loneliness and isolation among teenagers. (2)
While suicide by gay youth is most certainly a problem within the GLBT community, it isn't limited to gay youth.  Suicide by older GLBT adults can also be assumed to occur at a higher rate than the general population due to the added issues and stress related to being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered in a society that does not fully accept them...yet.

So, what can you do?

The experts say that most individuals considering suicide will send out signals before they attempt suicide.  Parents (and family members and friends) are advised to watch for these signs of depression:

  • Persistent sad or "empty" feelings
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Continuing sleep disturbances
  • Change in appetite causing weight gain or loss
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
  • Uncontrollable feelings of hopelessness or guilt
  • Irritability
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Chronic aches or pains that have no physical basis
  • Persistent comments from family members and friends that they are not acting like themselves. (3)
If you feel that your child is exhibiting some of these signs, please contact a professional to assist you with what to do next.  You can start by contacting one of the agencies listed on our Resources page under the section entitled Crisis Information & Links.

 

If you're in doubt, don't hesitate . . . MAKE THE CALL!

 

Sources:

  1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide:  Gay Male and Lesbian Youth Suicide.” (1989)
  2. Arizona Republic, "Teen Suicide In State Among Highest In Country--Phoenix Among 'Loneliest Cities'", May 5, 1999.
  3. Advocates Against Adolescent Suicide.