Depression, Anxiety & Suicide LGBTQ+ Support

Depression, anxiety and suicide affect people from every walk of life. Statistically, members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to attempt suicide than those who aren’t due to the isolation, hostility or discrimination they often endure. Crisis Support Services of Nevada is here to provide an empathetic ear, caring heart and a helping hand whenever you need it.

How to Take Care of Yourself

Practice Healthy Self Care

Remind yourself that you deserve to be happy. Find things that you enjoy and are passionate about to fill your time. Hobbies and special interests are great self care and can be a good way to make new connections. Remember not to deprive yourself of the basics: enough sleep, healthy eats, and lots of drinks (of water!).

Spend Time With Friends

Reach out to your trusted friends, to your chosen family, those that you can be yourself around. Make plans to go to lunch or to just spend an hour running errands together. If appropriate, get a hug from them. It’s good for you. (No really, it’s science!)

Connect With Your Community

If it’s easier for you, start with known online spaces for those with similar identities, but also take the time to look into your local communities. There are people out there like you, even if you have to find them over forums online. LGBTQ+ communities are created by and for LGBTQ+ people; you are wanted in them, and they exist for you. Remember, you’re not alone.

Support Your LBGTQ+ Friends and Family

Reach Out and Check In

Sometimes all we need is someone to listen and not judge us. You can support LGBTQ+ friends and family by simply asking how they’re doing, if there’s something on their mind or if there’s anything they want to talk about. It can be hard for someone to reach out when they’re struggling. Checking in with them takes that initial hardship away and can make a huge difference!

Be Supportive

Let them know that you love them and are there to support them. Ask what you can do to be of help or offer your emotional support in ways that you know you can help. Don’t do anything that is detrimental to your own mental health, just be there for them in ways you know that you can be.

Help LGBTQ+ Friends Get Support

Know someone who is struggling, but don’t know how to help? If you know someone who needs LGBTQ depression or anxiety support, point them in the right direction. Referring them to support options for the LGBTQ+ community is just as important as providing direct support. Share the link to this page, give them our phone number (988) or volunteer to help them research local resources.

FAQs Related to the LGBTQ+ Community

What if my child or loved one is considering suicide?

If you feel the person is at immediate risk to the safety of self or others call 911. Take your concerns about their safety and state of mind seriously. Ask the person openly if they are having suicidal thoughts. Ask if they have attempted suicide before, and offer to listen without judgement and to work with them to them get help.

Crisis Support Services of Nevada can provide insight on how to have these difficult conversations and what to do with what you learn. Call us any time at 988. If you don’t feel comfortable having that conversation by yourself, we can arrange a third-party call with you, your loved one and a crisis interventionist, who can help evaluate for immediate safety and discuss resources.

How do I know what pronoun to use if I’m unsure?

We recommend asking respectfully rather than guessing. You could say, “I want to be respectful. What gender pronoun do you use?” It is very important to respect each person’s self-identification. Individuals may use female pronouns, male pronouns, gender-neutral pronouns such as ze, hir, or they, or a mix of pronouns. Never use the word “it” when referring to someone.

What are the right terms to use?

Language is fluid. Language changes over time, and different people may use the same term differently. A good practice is to educate yourself on the ways concepts and terms are used in your geographic region. You can do this by attending LGBTQ community events, participating in Safe Zone training, or by asking someone what terminology they prefer and why.

What’s the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity?

The relationship between sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation is complex and sometimes hard to decipher. Sexual orientation refers to individuals’ attractions to others – who they love and date, and to whom they are physically and/or emotionally attracted. The terms lesbian, gay and bisexual refer to one’s sexual orientation. Gender identity refers to individuals’ internal, individual experiences of gender. Transgender refers to one’s gender identity. In basic terms, gender identity is concerned with who one is, and sexual orientation is concerned with who one loves.