Online training (EN)

Suicide Prevention Training for LGBTQ+ People English

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• Your Role and Boundaries: Consider whether this is the right time for you to take this training and whether you need a supportive person.
• Purpose of this Training: In this training, you will learn how to recognize signs of suicidality and how to engage in a conversation about it in a compassionate way. The training is specifically tailored for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Would you prefer a training for a general audience? Visit zerosuicidealliance.com/training.

In this training, you will learn how to recognize signs (SEE), how to start the conversation (SAY), and how to refer someone to the right help (SIGNPOST). Finally, you will meet three individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community who struggle with thoughts of suicide.

1. SEE – Recognizing Suicidality

Why is this important?

Facts and Figures (source: 113)

• On average, 5 people die by suicide every day in the Netherlands.
• Approximately 450,000 Dutch people think about suicide each year.
• Nearly half of Dutch lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults and youth have had thoughts of suicide at some point. This is more than 5 times the rate of the general adult population. Recent international research confirms that over 40% of LGB youth struggle with suicidal thoughts. 8% of LGB adults have attempted suicide at some point, which is 4 times higher than in the general adult population.
• Transgender individuals die by suicide 3 to 4 times more often than non-transgender individuals. They also attempt suicide 5 to 10 times more often and think about suicide 7 times more often than non-transgender individuals. Recent international research confirms that over 80% of transgender individuals have thought about suicide at some point. More than 90% of transgender individuals who have attempted suicide did so before the age of 25. Suicidal thoughts often decrease when people gain access to proper transgender care.

Most LGBTQ+ individuals with suicidal thoughts indicate that these thoughts are related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is often due to negative reactions, bullying, violence, and minority stress. Additionally, young people tend to discuss this mainly among themselves and do not involve an adult, which can reinforce suicidal ideation among peers. Important protective factors include parental support, self-acceptance/self-worth, personal resilience, a sense of belonging, and a positive school or work environment.

Breaking the Taboo

• Many people do not openly talk about suicidal thoughts due to fear of stigma and shame. It is important to break this taboo because talking helps…
  • … to find recognition.
  • … to take the first steps toward help.
  • … to relieve emotional burden.
• Language use plays a crucial role when speaking about suicide: avoid terms like ‘committing suicide’ and instead use ‘died by suicide’ to reduce negative associations. See the following table for language adjustments that can help reduce negative associations.

Signs of Suicidality

People thinking about suicide often show indirect or direct signs.

Common Statements:

1. “I can’t go on like this.”
2. “I don’t want to live anymore.”
3. “You won’t have to deal with me anymore.”
4. “No one will miss me.”

Common Behaviors:

1. Appearing sad, lonely, or hopeless.
2. Excessive alcohol or drug use.
3. Not keeping appointments.
4. Talking about death or suicide.
5. Being irritable or aggressive.
6. Noticeable behavioral changes.

The signs can vary for everyone but stand out because they represent a change from a person’s usual behavior.

5 Risk Factors That Increase Suicidality:

1. Experiences of loss (e.g., job, relationship, coming-out struggles).
2. Previous suicide attempts.
3. Psychological problems or psychiatric disorders.
4. Losing a loved one to suicide.
5. Social isolation and lack of support.

Quiz: Misconceptions About Suicide (True or False)

• Myth: “Someone who dies by suicide necessarily wanted to die.”
  • False: Most people do not want to die but see no other way out.
• Myth: “Suicide attempts are just a cry for attention.”
  • False: Every attempt must be taken seriously; it is a sign of despair.
• Myth: “Suicide happens suddenly.”
  • False: There is often an invisible process with increasingly intense thoughts.

2. SAY – Talking About Suicide

How to Talk About Suicide?

• Be direct: Use the word ‘suicide’ and avoid vague or evasive terms. Being direct prevents confusion and shows that it is not a taboo subject for you.
• Listen without judgment: Acknowledge feelings without immediately offering solutions. Instead of saying, “Why don’t you just go exercise?” or “Think of your parents!” ask, “Why do you feel this way?”
• Take your time to establish good contact and give the other person time. This may be the first time they are discussing a long-standing struggle. Try to understand why someone feels hopeless.
• Don’t be afraid to ask the wrong question. If you treat the person with respect, little can go wrong.
• Conclude the conversation well. Ask what the other person plans to do next—not just in the long term, but immediately after your talk.

3. SIGNPOST – Seeking Help Together

What If Someone Needs Help?

• Assess safety:
  • If there is immediate physical danger (e.g., they have taken pills, harmed themselves), call 112.
  • If unsure about the severity, consult a doctor or 113. 113 Suicide Prevention is not only for those with suicidal thoughts but also offers advice.
• Do not leave the person alone if the situation is serious; stay with them until help arrives.

Professional Help Options:

1. Involve supportive people:

• “Who could we call right now?”
• “Shall we inform your partner/parents together?”

1. Refer to professional help:

• Doctor, mental health professional, crisis service, or 113 Suicide Prevention.

1. Follow up: Check later if contact has been made.

Important Emergency Numbers and Resources:

• For immediate danger: Call 112.
• For direct support: 113 Suicide Prevention: Call 113 or 0800-0113 or chat anonymously at 113.nl.