Suicide Prevention

Fortunately there are several factors which can help lower someone’s risk of considering suicide: 

• Easy access to effective, culturally competent care
• Support from medical and mental health care professionals
• Coping, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills
• Restricted access to highly lethal means of suicide
• Strong connections to family
• Family acceptance of one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity
• A feeling of safety, support, and connectedness at school through peer groups like Gay-Straight Alliances.
• Positive connections with friends who share similar interests
• Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
• Positive role models and self esteem

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2011; Borowsky et al 2001; Eisenberg & Resnick 2006; Fenaughty & Harre 2003; Goodenow et al 2006; Kidd et al 2006; Resnick et al 1997; Ryan et al 2010