LGBT: Bullying and Teen Suicide

How pervasive is the problem of youth suicide?

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teens.

– EVERY DAY there are approximately 11 youth suicides.

– EVERY 2 HOURS AND 11 MINUTES a person under the age of 25 commits

suicide

• CDC Youth Risk Survey: 8.5% of students in grades 9-12

reported a suicide attempt in the past year.

• 25% of high-school students report suicidal thoughts.

• The suicide attempt rate is increasing for youths ages 10-14.

• While a single suicide is a tragedy, it is estimated that for

every adolescent who completes suicide, there are between

100 and 200 suicide attempts.

Teen suicide statistics and gender

• Males are four times more likely to die

from suicide than females.

• However, teen girls are more likely

than teen boys to attempt suicide.

• Due to high suicide completion rates,

boys are less likely to “call for help”

through a suicide attempt

Troubling Data

• 40% of LGBT youth attempt

suicide

• 90% of LGBT youth report

hearing anti-LGBT slurs at school

Remember: for every 1 suicide

there are 100 to 200 attempts

• Things to consider as stressors:

• Family and close friend support

• Community stigma

• Violence

• Internalized feelings and fears

Warning Signs • Showing signs of depression like ongoing sadness,

withdrawal from others, losing interest in favorite activities,

or trouble sleeping or eating

• Talking about or showing an interest in death or dying

• Engaging in dangerous or harmful activities, including

reckless behavior, substance abuse, or self injury

• Giving away favorite possessions and saying goodbye to

people

• Saying or expressing that they can't handle things anymore

• Making comments that things would be better without them

Get Help! YOU ARE NOT ALONE

• Find a friend, teacher, counselor, or family

member you can confide in

•  LGBT Suicide Prevention Hotline

• www.TheTrevorProject.org or 1-800-273-

8255

• Rainbow Youth Hotline  

• 1-877-LGBT-YTH (1-877-542-8984)

• FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go online to

either “the Trevor Project” or “It Gets

Better”