This trifold has facts and info from best practices for suicide prevention, info about the increased risks for LGBTQ youth, and information specific to Utah youth and resources.

1. LGBTQ Youth
Suicide
and Utah
When you are worried but
“not sure”
• Be aware and watchful for warning signs
• Become available, show interest and support
• Stay calm
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1(800) 273-TALK and tell them your concerns.
What to say:
“I’m here, you’re not alone.”
“I care about you.”
“Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
And then: Listen.
What NOT to say:
Your life is not that bad.
Would you really hurt me like that?
Suicide is selfish, suicide is cowardly.
You don’t mean that.
You have so much to live for.
Things could be worse.
Other people have worse problems than you, and
they don’t want to die.
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary
problem.
You will go to hell if you die by suicide.
How to get help for someone who is suicidal:
• Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled
pills
• Get help by reaching out to someone you trust
(teacher, counselor, family member)
• When the person is no longer at immediate
risk, help them make an appointment to see a
mental health professional as soon as
possible
• Do not leave the person alone until they have
received professional help and the risk of
suicide has dissipated
• Continue to check in with the person regularly
Facts,
Risks,
Resources
Some warning signs
These behaviors may indicate a serious,
immediate risk, especially if the behavior is new,
has increased, and/or seems related to a painful
event, loss, or change.
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable
pain
• Talking about being a burden to someone(s)
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving
recklessly
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking
revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings
Signs of Suicide CRISIS
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
• Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as
searching online or obtaining a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no
reason to live.
If you or someone you know is experiencing
suicidal thoughts call:
Rachel Peterson, MS
Marian Edmonds-Allen, MDiv
www.LGBTQyouth.org
801-452-3674

2. What do we know?
The FACTS
Utah has the 5th highest rate of youth suicide in
the country, with suicide now the leading cause of
death in the state.
• 62% of Utah LGBTQ youth report attempting
suicide, almost all more than once, with virtually
every child having lost at least one friend to
death by suicide.
• LGBTQ youth attempt suicide 4 times more
often than their straight peers; those children
rejected by their parents have an 8 times
greater risk of suicide
• 86% of LGBTQ students report harassment at
school, 28% of LGBT youth stop going to
school because of being bullied. Each episode
of LGBT victimization, such as physical or
verbal harassment or abuse, increases the
likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times
• 47.3% of gay or bisexual adolescent boys vs.
34.7% of non-gay or bisexual adolescent boys
(lifetime) experience suicidal thoughts;
• 72.9% of lesbian or bisexual adolescent girls vs.
53% of non-lesbian or bisexual adolescent girls
(lifetime) experience suicidal thoughts.
Connect: Help and be helped
Crisis Resources – Utah and National Crisis & Referral Call Lines
UNI Crisis Line: (801) 587-3000
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255
Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
Domestic Violence LINKline: (800) 897-5465
Mental Health Referrals & Suicide Prevention Resources
Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition
Comprehensive listing of trainings, supports, local groups, and much more:
http://utahsuicideprevention.org
NAMI Utah: (801) 323-9900
Classes, groups, information and support for people living with mental illness
and their families
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Utah Chapter:
utah@afsp.org
Local chapter of national organization, provides information and support on
suicide prevention and loss
Utah LGBTQ & Family Support Resources
Affirmation: affirmation.org
Information, support and educational events for LGBT Mormons and families
LDS Family Fellowship: www.ldsfamilyfellowship.org/
Information and support for LDS families with LGBT family members
PFLAG:
Local Utah chapters of national organization that provide information, support
and for parents, families and friends with LGBT family members
Ephraim/Sanpete County: drbuck55@hotmail.com
Logan/Cache Valley: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pflag-
LoganCache-Valley/319620208064824
Ogden: ogdenpflag@gmail.com
Price: pflag.price@gmail.com
Provo/Utah County: provopflag@gmail.com
Salt Lake City: slcpflag@gmail.com
St. George: pflag.saintgeorge@gmail.com
Utah LGBTQ Youth Serving Organizations
LGBTQ Youth Continuum of Care: (801)452-3674 www.LGBTQyouth.org
Referrals, trainings and resources for LGBTQ youth, their families, educators,
providers, and faith communities
OUTreach Resource Centers: (801) 331-5820 2760 Adams Ave, Ogden
Drop-in support services for LGBTQ youth in Ogden, Logan, Brigham City, and
Clearfield
Utah Pride Center: (801) 539-8800 255 E 400 S, Ste. 200, Salt Lake City
Support groups, programs and referral resources
Youth Futures Shelter Home: (801) 528-1214 2760 Adams Ave, Ogden
Overnight shelter for youth age 12-17