Creating Hope: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Suicide Attempt Survivors

Oct 1

Utah has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, and it’s heartbreaking. While we know far too many people here are dying by suicide, we still don’t fully understand all the reasons why Utahns are at greater risk—or why some people see suicide as their only way out of pain and stress.

At Surviving to Thriving Therapy, our mission is to meet people where they are emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. We welcome people from all walks of life—both inside and outside the LGBTQIA+ community, including parents of LGBTQIA+ youth. We work with a wide range of concerns, like anxiety, social phobia, eating disorders, workplace stress, homelessness, depression, gender identity, and coming out.

Through hundreds of hours of conversations with LGBTQIA+ individuals, we’ve heard loud and clear: people thinking about suicide need more support. Therapy gives people a space to share their experiences, feel understood, and learn tools for healing. Together, we’ll work on addressing the factors that drive suicidal thoughts and behaviors, learn to cope with ongoing suicidal thinking, access resources, and build hope.

We’re deeply committed to preventing suicide in the LGBTQIA+ community by reducing risk factors and strengthening resilience. In recent months, public concern about suicide among LGBTQIA+ individuals has grown—rightfully so. The reasons people attempt suicide are complex and personal. One former client told us, ‘My parent said they prayed, and God told them I should kill myself rather than be gay.’ Stories like this are devastating, but they also make it clear how much LGBTQIA+ affirming suicide prevention therapy is needed.

The most important thing to know about suicide is that it can be prevented. At Surviving to Thriving Therapy, our goal is to provide greater support to people in emotional pain and fight the stigma surrounding mental illness. Everyone can help reduce suicide deaths by learning the warning signs, offering support, and helping people know they’re not alone.

Warning Signs:
Threatening, talking about or planning suicide
Giving away possessions
Feeling hopeless/helpless
Depression/irritability
Increased drug/alcohol use
Making out wills
Despairing texts or posts
Feelings of failure or shame
Social withdrawal or isolation
Risky behaviors

What to do

Express concern

Listen without criticism

Take threats seriously

Ask about suicide plan

Remove lethal means

Inform family/friends

Seek professional help

Call 911 or the Crisis Line

Where to seek help

All Utah Counties, 24 Hours:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)