The United States is the country where suicide is the leading cause of death. However, there are still many suicides in the LGBTQ community. Some studies have also warned optimism that self-destructive thinking is increasing among vulnerable populations, such as LGBTQ youth.
Common suicide risk factors such as social isolation or low self-confidence, are often magnified for LGBTQ people because they are more likely to experience home rejection and systemic discrimination. Helping them access a trusted support group to address these dangers is a proactive approach. It is important to shift from providing reactive assistance to providing care that fosters fair development of LGBTQ people.
The CDC and U.S. are two of the most prominent leaders in this field. The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted the importance of social assistance and neighborhood connectivity in suicide prevention. The support of loved ones fosters a sense of belonging, connectedness and reduces feelings of social isolation. Although relatives, friends, and households of choice can all play an important role in supporting LGBTQ loved ones, this type of care can present its own set of challenges. As a support person for a LGBTQ loved one, it is important to ensure that you are taken care of.
Let’s take a look at five suggestions that will help you to be an active member of the LGBTQ support group while also taking care of yourself.
1. Keep your mind open
You don’t have to change who you are or what you think in order to provide the best assistance for someone who is LGBTQ. Your support for an LGBTQ person will be most effective if you are open to considering other points of view and aware not to make judgments about their lives or destination habits. How we show care will be affected by our mindsets. A supportive environment and openly revealing your care shows a LGBTQ friend that you are there to help them. They will feel more comfortable if you are available to learn about their lives and listen to all the details.
2. Connect with others to improve your quality of life
Preparing for suicide is a good way to ensure someone is safe. A security strategy is a list of the individual’s suicide thoughts and the coping strategies and support that they can access if they need them. You can help your loved one to stay safe by helping them implement the strategies and getting acquainted with their plan. You can help them to connect with resources and verify that they are understanding their experiences. Their connections to the world will be strengthened by expanding their assistance network.
3. Engage in Open Conversations
Although you don’t have to be a professional in suicide prevention or LGBTQ identity if you want to help someone, using language that reflects the experience of an LGBTQ person helps build trust. Many people feel unprepared to talk about suicide, homosexuality, or gender. These topics are worth your time. The resources at the end of this post make a great place to start.
Talking with your loved one about their experience will help you avoid making assumptions about it. You can help them feel validated and heard by mirroring their language and asking questions. This can reduce the feeling of alienation, which is a recognized danger element. Talk about your identity, mental health, how you describe them in social settings, and what to say to others when they ask about them. You can be viewed as part of a larger system through open interaction.
4. Keep checking back regularly
You can check in with your loved one regularly. Ask about their day, what is going well, how they are feeling, and any problems they might be having. You are always available to help, no matter how often you contact them. They will also feel more comfortable contacting you when they need it.
5. Take care of yourself
It may sound cliché, but looking after yourself is one of the most important things you can do. People who take care of others often neglect their own needs. Self-care is more than a temporary activity. Like how we planned for security with our loved ones, plan ahead for your health. You can make a list of trusted resources so that you are ready to charge. You should have someone to turn to when things get complicated . Get into the habit of regularly monitoring your health and recognizing when you may be feeling low. You should be able to participate in activities that give you energy. You can provide continuous and optimal care for others by keeping up with your needs.
