Before I came out I never knew anyone who committed suicide, unfortunately that is not the case anymore. Since I have come out, one acquaintances has committed suicide and three others have tried it. Through the support group that I attend and the public speaking at schools and colleges that I do, I have learned that so many of my acquaintances have attempted suicide that I have lost count. I have seen their scares on their wrists.
A national survey of transgender people found that,
A staggering 41% of respondents reported attempting suicide compared to 1.6% of the general population, with rates rising for those who lost a job due to bias (55%), were harassed/bullied in school (51%), had low household income, or were the victim of physical assault (61%) or sexual assault (64%).From the National Suicide Prevention web-site,
What Are The Warning Signs For Suicide?Here are two important phone numbers,
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behavior is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:
Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
Talking about being a burden to others.
Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
Sleeping too little or too much.
Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
Displaying extreme mood swings.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline… 1-888-628-9454
For LGBT Youth… The Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386
No comments:
Post a Comment