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Suicide among lesbians, transsexuals, bisexuals and gays
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. Suicide attempts by LGBTQ people are disproportionately higher than in the general population, and people who die by suicide are eight times more likely to be in debt. If it helps, get a free copy of this 5 building blocks for a happy gay life Here.
Lesbian, trans, bi and gay suicide and queer money
Have your finances ever caused you to consider suicide?
We hosted Dear Debt’s Melanie Lockert on episode 67 of Queer money® Podcast in September 2017 as part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Listen to Melanie Lockert on gay suicide Queer money®:
What you should know about LGBTQ suicide
People who die by suicide are eight times more likely to have debt. LGBTQ people attempt suicide at disproportionate rates compared to the general population. The fifth leading cause of death for all men, queer or straight, is suicide. The problem is so serious that the suicide rate for men is currently three and a half times higher than for women. Seven out of ten suicides are committed by white, middle-aged men. Suicide rates for men over 75 are nine to twelve times higher than for women.
Suicides and suicide attempts are higher in the queer community than in the general population. Queer youth and young adults have the highest rates of suicide attempts.
Many lesbian, transgender, bisexual, and gay suicides tend to be a cause of cumulative impact and when victims feel they have nowhere to turn or no other options, whether with their sexual orientation, their finances, or both . The more we become aware of the signs and risks of suicide, the better we can help prevent it.
Substance abuse in the queer community and gay suicide
The Advocate noted in 2015 that “gay men have a drinking problem,” as the CDC reported that “(queer) people are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, more likely to abuse drugs, and more likely to continue drinking later in life.” This CDC also said the reasons for increased stress and depression in queer people are the same as why they turn to drugs and alcohol.
Another reason is that many queer people turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate. This refuge is temporary at best and most drugs, including alcohol, have a depressant effect. Therefore, self-medication only worsens their depression and the cost of drugs and alcohol worsens their financial problems.
In this Queer Money follow-up, we talk about gay suicide in more detail:
Resources for Preventing Lesbian, Transgender, Bisexual, and Gay Suicide:
This month, as we talk about being healthier and living a better life, let’s not forget the people who feel like their lives have no value. We must not forget those who struggle to get out of bed in the morning, let alone get to the gym. We must not forget those who have been conditioned to feel inadequate, disappointed, or worthless.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts, talk about it and know that others care.
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We are David and John Auten-Schneider, the Debt Free Guys (www.driftkingsmedia.com) and hosts of the Queer money® Podcast. We help queer people (and allies) live fabulous and non-fabulous broke lives by helping them 1) pay off credit card debt, 2) become part- or full-time entrepreneurs, and 3) save and invest for retirement.