Suicide Prevention Project

Omaha Walk - 9/30 In the fight against su***de, we’re stronger together.

you’re in crisis and need immediate help, you can reach out to:

Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Gender-affirming healthcare is su***de prevention...

Several scientific studies found that transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) children face chronic stressors that lead to adverse social and psychological outcomes, including suicidal ideation and attempts (Blashill et al., 2020; Cha et al., 2018; Mereish et al., 2021; MacMullin et al., 2020; Olezeski and Kamody, 2020). LGBTQ+ children report mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychological distress, and TGE children diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) experience clinically significant distress and suicidality over incongruent assigned s*x at birth and their experience of culturally defined gender identity (Blashill et al., 2020; MacMullin et al., 2020). Consequently, these children are more likely to have poor peer relations and high co-occurring mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, problematic eating, self-harm, and su***de completion.
A study by MacMullin et al. (2020) on emotional and behavioral challenges of transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) children aged 5 to 11 found that they experienced low levels of psychological well-being, poor social adjustment, and high levels of internalizing/externalizing symptoms. Compared to heteros*xual and cisgender peers, LGBTQ+ and TGE children have an earlier onset and higher prevalence of suicidal ideation, behavior, and increased likelihood of future su***de completion. This heightened risk is likely due to minority stressors such as stigma, discrimination, exclusion, bullying, and victimization (Blashill et al., 2020; Cha et al., 2018; MacMullin et al., 2020; Mereish et al., 2021).

What happens when you call or text 988?

By calling or texting 988, you’ll be directly connected to mental health professionals with the Lifeline network, which provides 24/7, confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – including thoughts of su***de, mental health, substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

988 also supports people worried about a loved one who may also need crisis support.

This is exciting research! Through a genome-wide analysis, researchers have identified numerous genes among participants with documented suicidal thoughts or actions. Four genes had the strongest links and have been previously associated with psychiatric conditions:

ESR1, an estrogen receptor, has been previously identified as a causal genetic driver gene of PTSD and depression, which are risk factors for suicidal behaviors among veterans. Estrogen is also suspected as a cause of s*x differences in depression rates, and loss of ESR1 has been found to produce effects on brain tissue in men.

DRD2, a dopamine receptor, has been associated with su***de attempts, schizophrenia, mood disorders, ADHD, risky behaviors, and alcohol use disorder.

DCC, which is expressed in brain tissue across the lifespan, has been associated with multiple psychiatric conditions and is elevated in the brains of people who die by su***de.

TRAF3 is associated with antisocial behavior, substance use, and ADHD. Lithium -- a gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder shown to reduce su***de risk -- modulates the expression of TRAF3 and several other inflammatory genes.

JOURNAL JAMA Psychiatry

5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain Infographic presents five steps for helping someone in emotional pain in order to prevent su***de. Steps include: Ask, Keep Them Safe, Be There, Help Them Connect, and Stay Connected.

You are never alone please reach out for help!

You are not alone, help is out there!

Here is some ways to deal with depression over the holidays...

With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s coming up, the holidays can be very triggering for people, especially for those who have lost family members, are disconnected from their family, associate traumatic events around that time period, or have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or another disorder. With the stress and tension surrounding this time of year, you may struggle with depression, which typically includes feelings of hopelessness, insomnia or excessive sleeping, changes in eating patterns, and more. Keep these helpful tips in mind if you’ve struggled with any kind of mental illness and find the holidays particularly distressing:

Avoid being on social media if it’s triggering you. Around the holidays, it’s normal to be triggered by cheerful posts with pictures of others’ friends and family. These pictures are often misleading, and can make you feel even more isolated or alone.
Talk to someone you love and care about. Call up a significant other, friend, or family member and talk to them about how you’re feeling. Sometimes being reminded of the people who do love and care about you can help.
Recognize that you’re not alone. Despite contrary belief, there are many people out there who don’t have families, who have lost someone close to them, or who no longer have loved ones to surround them during the holidays.
Give yourself permission to take a break if you need to. If you are struggling with symptoms of depression during your family gathering, allow yourself to take a short break in the restroom or a bedroom so that you can breathe.
Practice self-care as often as possible. Take loving care of your hygiene, and do things that you enjoy doing – read an enjoyable book, go for a walk, cuddle up near your pets and more. Doing these things will help you find peace this holiday season.

Call to Action | National Action Alliance for Su***de Prevention We aim to advance the National Strategy for Su***de Prevention which represents a comprehensive, long-term approach to su***de prevention.