Suicide prevention is community work
Suicide is a solution sought to what is experienced as unendurable pain and is absolutely a mental health issue, and an epidemic in the US.
AND there are a lot of things that are not about mental health that need to be part of our discussion of suicide prevention.
One of the things that makes pain more endurable is connection and support, it’s about community. Only in a society in which we truly love and value all of our members and ensure that they have the resources and supports that they need can we greatly reduce suicide.
Speaking to this I want to highlight some of the ways we can work to prevent suicide that are outside the realm of therapy, medication, or other types of mental health treatment. Suicide prevention is:
- Making healthcare more accessible & affordable
- Gender affirming medical care
- Making a living wage
- Safe, affordable housing
- Drug & alcohol treatment
- Living in a society that values all its members
- Using the chosen name & pronouns of gender diverse people
- Family & faith communities accepting & affirming their LGBTQIA+ members
- Living in a society that does not debate your right to exist
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts here are some hotlines:
National Suicide Hotline 988
San Diego Crisis Line 888-724-7240
Transgender Lifeline 877-565-8860
Trevor Project 866-488-7386
