Pride month is a month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, but the fun and festivities of parades and parties do not lessen the suffering of struggling communities.
“The suicide rate among members of the LGBTQ community is nearly half that of the general population, 50 percent higher,” said Luma Bonilla Webster, program manager for the Illinois chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“One of the most common issues is depression and anxiety, which we know if not treated properly can lead to more severe depression and even suicidal thoughts,” Bonilla-Webster said.
Bonilla Webster will host a virtual presentation titled, “Talking Saves Lives: An Introduction to LGBTQ Suicide Prevention” on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6:30 pm CST, where she will share suicide risk factors, warning signs and simple ways to show support.
“If you know someone who is a part of the community, encourage them, check in on them, ask them what they need,” Bonilla-Webster said.
Research shows that people often don't know how to start that conversation. They worry that asking about suicide will be triggering, but research shows it's okay to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?”
“Be specific: 'Are you thinking about suicide?' Research shows that when you ask that question, it makes people feel seen and reassured. Someone cares. Someone cares about me,” Bonilla-Webster says.
Many in the community are afraid to ask for help because they don’t know who to turn to.
“These populations often lack LGBTQ-informed mental health providers, and they may be afraid to seek help because they may not be able to find a therapist who is accepting of these individuals,” said Logan Spicer, LCPC, of Thriveworks, a therapy and psychiatric mental health provider with 13 locations in Illinois.
Spicer said there are resources available but more community outreach is needed.
“Mental health providers need to get out into the community, organize support groups, put therapists on online referral lists and demonstrate their openness to these people,” Spicer said.
Bonilla Webster emphasizes that showing support means having a conversation.
“No matter the season, we're always checking in on each other. Of course, it's Pride so we're hoping there's more love and recognition within that, but we want it to happen all the time,” Bonilla-Webster said.
