We are excited to announce that New York Governor, David Paterson, has officially proclaimed Wednesday, September 10, 2008 as “The Trevor Project Day” in the state of New York. Click here to view the proclamation on the Governor’s Web site, or here to read more about this special day.
The Trevor Project Day strategically coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day, and is meant to create awareness surrounding the high rate of LGBTQ youth suicide. Thanks to The Trevor Helpline, you are not alone.
What can you do to impact the devastating problem of LGBTQ youth suicide in this country? To start, learn to recognize the warning signs that may indicate someone is at risk. These include:
- A tendency toward isolation and social withdrawal
- Increasing substance abuse
- Expression of negative attitude toward self
- Expression of hopelessness and helplessness
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Giving away values possessions
- Expression of lack of future orientation: “It won’t matter soon anyway.”
- For someone who has been depressed, when that depression begins to lift, the individual may be at INCREASED risk of suicide, as the individual will have the psychological energy to follow through on suicidal ideation.
If someone you know is exhibiting these signs, or if you’re a young person looking for someone to listen and understand without judgment, please call The Trevor Helpline at 866-4-U-TREVOR 24 hours per day. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of someone, please seek outside emergency help from a hospital, mental health clinic or call “911.”
