September marks Suicide Prevention Month, which is dedicated to spreading awareness around mental health and reducing the stigma that comes with talking about suicide. Many studies have shown that LGBTQ+ people face a high risk of suicide. For instance, Belong To and Trinity College Dublin’s 2024 Being LGBTQI in Ireland study found that 64% of respondents between the ages of 14 and 25 reported suicidal thoughts and 26% reported a suicide attempt.

The rate was especially high among young trans and gender non-conforming respondents, with 82% reporting suicidal thoughts and 39% reporting a suicide attempt. The study explains that these findings are correlated with internal and external factors such as “family rejection, negative media, bullying and discrimination, societal rejection, self-hatred, shame and gender dysphoria”.

Therefore, it is crucial that suicide prevention support is accessible for people in the LGBTQ+ community. If you or someone you know is currently in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, below is a list of resources and services where you can find information and support:

Suicide prevention support services

Pieta
Pieta is one of Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charities that offers therapy services, a crisis helpline and bereavement support. They also provide free LGBTQ+ crisis counselling in collaboration with Belong To. Their 24-hour crisis helpline number is 1800 247 247.

Samaritans
Samaritans is another of Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charities with 24 local branches located across the island. They state on their website: “Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide. We work to achieve this vision by making it our mission to alleviate emotional distress and reduce the incidence of suicidal feelings.” Visit their website or contact their crisis helpline at 116 123.

Jigsaw
Jigsaw is Ireland’s national centre for youth mental health, which provides free early intervention counselling for people aged 12 to 25. They have 18 locations across various counties and also offer live chats, which can be registered for on their website. 

SpunOut
SpunOut is an Irish youth information and support platform that offers a 24-hour text line called ‘Text About It’. They explain, “When someone reaches out to Text About It, they are connected with a trained volunteer whose role is to listen without judgment and support you in making sense of what you are experiencing at your own pace and in ways that are comfortable for you to share”.

LGBT Ireland
LGBT Ireland is a national charity that has peer support groups, a national LGBTQ+ helpline (1800 929 539), a transgender family support helpline (01 907 3707) and a telefriending service (01 347 1209).

Suicide prevention resources:

Health Service Executive (HSE): Supporting someone who might be thinking of suicide
The HSE gives some important advice on how to support someone experiencing suicidal thoughts, stating: “If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, it is normal to react with anger or fear. Try to put your feelings aside while you respond to their needs. Try to remain as calm and non-judgemental as possible”.

Pieta: Signs of suicide
Pieta outlines some of the behavioural signs that may indicate a person is feeling suicidal, explaining: “If you recognise one or more of these warning signs in a loved one’s behaviour, don’t wait for someone else to do something.”

Ask Jigsaw: Thinking about ending it
Jigsaw offers advice for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts who may not have support or understanding from those around them. They share, “Sometimes those close to us may not be able to give us the help we need. This can be for a variety of reasons, including difficult relationships, challenges in communication or personal issues that the person we reach out to may be facing. However, there are other options for support. Don’t let your first experience of reaching out put you off.”

SpunOut: What is suicide and why does it happen?
SpunOut shares some of the factors that may contribute to a person’s risk of suicide, as well as the difference between self-harm and suicidal behaviour. They explain, “If you are concerned about a friend, the best way to find out how they are feeling is to ask them. Contrary to what you might think, there is no evidence to suggest that asking someone if they are feeling suicidal increases the risk of that person taking their own life”.