Suicide Awareness Month

September is national Suicide Awareness month. We lose way too many people to suicide every year.

And folks in the LGBTQIA+ communities have a higher rate of suicide and suicidal thoughts. This is not because they are inherently weaker or more damaged, but because of the impact of systemic oppression and interpersonal aggressions.

This is why I say that suicide is both an individual metal health issue and also a systemic issue. Reach out and help each other, but also work towards a system that provides more access to mental health, push for programs that respond to mental health crisis so that burden does not fall to the police, push to make this an issue we can talk about openly and honestly.

If you are someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, here are some resources:

National Suicide Prevention Line 800-273-TALK (8255)

San Diego County’s Crisis Line 888-724-7240

Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+) 866-488-7386

Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860