LGBTQIA+ STUDENTS
LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Asexual) students, like all college student populations, are at risk for suicide. Research has found that LGBTQ college students are one of the groups at highest risk for suicide. Different studies have found that:
- LGBTQIA+ students have 2-3 times greater risk of completing suicide than their heterosexual peers.
- 25% of the gay/bisexual identified male college-aged population has made suicidal actions.
- Lesbian/bisexual identified college students are 3-4 times more likely to consider suicide than their heterosexual peers.
- LGBTQIA+ individuals who are “coming out” are at increased risk for depression, substance abuse, and suicide.
Factors that Increase Suicide Risk for LGBTQIA+ students:
- Verbal or physical harassment
- Lack of family support and acceptance
- Loss of friendship or other relationships
- Prejudice, discrimination, homophobia
- A recent loss (e.g., death or break-up)
- Fears about seeking help
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Behaviors that are impulsive or aggressive
Suicide Risk Increases when:
- Family history of depression and/or suicide
- History of abuse
- Personal history of previous suicide attempts
- Mental health problem that is untreated (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety)