Suicide is a serious public health concern affecting adolescents, young adults, and people of all ages. Although anyone can experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, certain populations face additional challenges that may increase their risk, including LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we recognize that many individuals at higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors come from marginalized communities. LGBTQ+ young people may be particularly vulnerable due to stigma, discrimination, bullying, family rejection, social isolation, and barriers to affirming mental health care. Creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments is an important part of suicide prevention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is among the leading causes of death for adolescents and adults. LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. Data from 2023 indicate that the prevalence of reported suicide attempts during the previous 12 months was 10.1% among sexual minority individuals ages 12–17, 4.8% among those ages 18–25, and 1.3% among those ages 26–49. Among younger students, this represented more than three times the rate reported by heterosexual students.
Suicide Is Preventable
Suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. However, suicide is preventable, and early support can make a meaningful difference. Research has found that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental health condition. This highlights the importance of recognizing mental health concerns and connecting individuals with appropriate care.
A mental health crisis should be addressed quickly and compassionately, just like any other health emergency. Seeking help early—before a crisis escalates—can provide an opportunity for assessment, treatment, safety planning, and ongoing support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a trusted person or mental health provider. You can also call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Open Conversations Make a Difference
The people in our lives can be a lifeline. Strong relationships and trusted connections can help individuals feel valued, understood, and supported during difficult times. Asking someone how they are really doing—and being prepared to listen without judgment—can open the door to meaningful support.
Warning signs should always be taken seriously. These may include expressions of hopelessness, talking about wanting to die, withdrawing from others, or experiencing significant emotional distress. If you notice these signs, listen with compassion and help connect the individual with professional or crisis support.
Building Communities of Care
Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Families, schools, workplaces, faith communities, health systems, and individuals all have a role to play. Communities can support prevention by reducing stigma, promoting mental health education, encouraging open conversations, and ensuring that people know where to find help.
When individuals feel connected, accepted, and supported, they may be more willing to seek care. Inclusive communities are especially important for marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, who may face additional barriers to support.
Treatment Works
Timely, compassionate, evidence-informed behavioral health care, peer support, safety planning, and coordinated services can help individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Support may include counseling, crisis intervention, medication management when appropriate, connection to trusted family members or friends, and follow-up care that continues beyond an immediate crisis. Creating a personalized safety plan can also help identify warning signs, coping strategies, supportive people, professional resources, and ways to make the environment safer.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy, hopeful, and fulfilling life. If you are struggling, please know that support is available, healing is possible, and you are not alone. Your feelings are important, and asking for help is a courageous step—not a burden. You deserve to heal. 💜
Begin Your Journey Toward Healing in Blackwood, NJ
If you or someone you love is experiencing mental health challenges or needs additional support, our team is here to help.
To learn more about our outpatient mental health services or to initiate a referral, contact Recovery at the Crossroads in Blackwood, NJ. You can reach out online or call (888) 342-3881. Our admissions team is ready to assist with eligibility verification, intake scheduling, and care coordination. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
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