Did you know that National Suicide Prevention Week, which takes place this year from February 9th to 15th, 2003, existed? Is that a yes or, or a no? This week, in my opinion, is one of the most important weeks of the year since the number of deaths by suicide in Québec is the highest to the world, a number equivalent to five Boeing 747s crashing every year. And the number is still increasing. People from many groups are at risk for committing suicide, one of the groups at highest risk is the homosexual and bisexual population. Amongst the youth, statistics highlight the fact that gay youth are 2 to 3 times more at risk to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers. However, it is not because of their sexual orientation that drives them to suicide, but more so a set of factors and difficulties associated to homosexuality and bisexuality that puts GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) youth at a higher risk.
First of all, GLBT youth grow up in a hostile environment in which finger pointing at homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgendered individuals is a common place . One often hears, on the street, hateful words that can cause a teen to be ashamed of what he/she is; to be afraid of the fact that one is judged not for who he/she is, but rather solely for an individual’s sexual orientation. Unfortunately, we live in a society where homophobia still exists. Moreover, the phenomenon of heterosexism is present. Heterosexism (a form of discrimination presuming that all people are heterosexual), for example, exists at school. Teachers often talk about love and sexual relationships as if all their pupils were heterosexual excluding the feelings or recognition of GLBT youth. Yet, one must not forget that at that least one in ten people are homosexual and that a teen who is questioning his/her sexuality often already feels isolated and abnormal, especially so if his/her teacher has a heterosexist mentality. To continue, a teen who is ashamed of his/her sexual orientation can sink into a deep depression and isolate him/herself from friends and family, is at an increased risk to drop out of school, can experience problems related to addiction, and could commit suicide. In short, since homosexuality and bisexuality are taboo subjects in society, youth are more to risk to isolate themselves, to be isolated by others, and to commit suicide.
It is possible to help an individual experiencing suicidal thoughts. First of all, warning signs often exist: a behaviour of withdrawal with respect to family and friends, a preoccupation with death, the giving away of personal things/property, the excessive consumption of drugs or alcohol, a change in personality, and the signs of depression. It is possible to intervene. Contrary to what many people might think, the act of speaking to someone about his/her suicidal thoughts and being an active listener can help because it allows the person the freely express what he/she is feeling. Encourage the individual to go see a counsellor, minister or parent or to call a help-line for additional help. If they won't and risk remains, contact someone for them such as a counsellor, psychologist, or someone at a mental health or suicide prevention center. Help to weaken the daily tensions that may seem intolerable to the suicidal person. Finally, it is important to show the individual that solutions, other than suicide, do exist.
For those among you that have or may experience suicidal thoughts, it’s important to talk about it and seek help. Don't hesitate to talk to one of your friends or with someone you trust. There are also telephone help-lines, such as Gay Line, that you can phone which provide free and confidential listening and support services or organizations such as the Programme Action Santé gai, lesbienne et bisexuel(le) de la Montérégie. Something else that can is to write down your thoughts, your feelings, and what bothers you, which can act as a form of ‘release’ helping you to better deal with what you are going through. You can also consult our Comfortable In Your Skin dossier to learn more about suicide and how to better cope with your feelings and the hard times associated with GLBT youth. In addition, you can pose questions to our experts in the Ask the Experts section of our web site. Then, to help you further come out of your feelings of isolation, you can chat with other GLBT youth or even participate in an evening of discussion with the youth group Jeunesse Lambda.
One suicide is one suicide too many! I dream of the day when homophobia and heterosexism will no longer exist and a society where homosexuality will no longer be considered a taboo subject. To conclude, to all those that are questioning their sexual orientation and that have suicidal thoughts, never forget this expression: "Talking helps."
For more of information on suicide, consult our Comfortable In Your Skin dossier or consult the following resources.
Gay Line
Greater Montreal (between 7pm and 11pm): (514) 866-5090
elsewhere in Quebec: 1-888-505-1010
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868
Tel-Jeunes
Big Montreal: (514) 288-2266
elsewhere to Quebec: 1-800-263-2266
Suicide-Action Montréal
Big Montreal: (514) 723-4000
elsewhere: 1 866 CALLS
Jeunesse Lambda
More of info
Projet 10
More of info
Programme Action-Santé
More of info
