"What about LGBTI suicidal risk? Why don't we have been specifically trained about LGBTI people respect and mental health special need?"
Professor Pompili answered this questions as follows:
"Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair.
For LGBTQ people, stigma, prejudice and discrimination can increase the likelihood of stress, depression and other mental health concerns. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed or when people lack access to quality mental health care, can increase risk for suicide
The majority of LGBTQ people, including LGBTQ youth, who experience stressful external factors like discrimination, bullying or family rejection do not become suicidal. However, compared to straight people, gay and lesbian people are more likely — and bisexual adults are more likely still — to report having made a suicide attempt in the past year and/or over their lifetime. In addition, transgender people report higher prevalence of suicide attempts in the past year and/or over their lifetime, than LGBT or straight people.
Factors associated with a higher prevalence of suicidal behaviour in LGBT individuals include:
o Social isolation and low self-esteem, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, often resulting from or worsened by stigma and discrimination.
o Experiences of prejudice and discrimination, including family rejection, bullying, cyberbullying, harassment and mistreatment.
o Laws and public policies that encourage stigma and discrimination, as well as the lack of laws and policies that protect against discrimination.
Factors that can reduce the likelihood of suicide attempts and suicide deaths and play a role in promoting wellbeing in the LGBTQ community include:
o Increasing family acceptance and affirmation of one’s LGBTQ identity.
o Reducing anti-LGBTQ stigma and prejudice.
o Reducing bullying and other forms of victimization.
o Increasing access to LGBTQ-affirming physical and mental health care.
o Increasing legal protections from discrimination all play a role in promoting well-being in the LBGTQ community.
It is important to assess the risk of suicide among transgender and gender-nonconforming patients and discuss past experiences of prejudice or maltreatment to prevent further victimization. Fostering social inclusion and facilitating open access to medical care promotes a positive outcome.
Familial stability can help counter negative self-esteem and strengthen mental health; parental and peer support imparts better self-acceptance and well-being."
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