Why do youth feel suicidal?
Feeling suicidal usually means that you think
about hurting yourself, or even ending your own life.
Sometimes these feelings are very specific and involve
thinking about how you might harm yourself. Sometimes these
feelings are more general - like wishing you wouldn't wake up
tomorrow morning.
If you have felt suicidal, you know how bad it
can be. Many other people, both straight and LGBTIQ, have felt
that way, especially as teens. You are not alone. Sometimes
LGBTIQ persons feel particularly alone or isolated, so they
may be at particular risk for experiencing suicidal feelings.
Almost all of those people have survived and
are living happily today. Your life is worth living, and
people care about you.
If you are feeling suicidal right now, get some help right
way. Although it may be hard to imagine right now, the
feelings you're having will pass and you will be glad you did
seek help.
If you're in in Boulder County and want to
speak with someone right away, call:
How great is the risk?
The risk is real. Nationally, suicide is the third leading
cause of death for young people aged 15-24. For every teen
death by suicide, there are 10-20 attempts serious enough to
require hospitalization.
For more information:
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We'd like to thank Advocates for Youth for allowing us to
use portions of this Q and A text, which were taken from an article written by Advocates for Youth in the
summer of 2004. |
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