WATERBURY-According to the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the Vermont Department of Health, LGBTQ+ middle and high schoolers in Vermont are two to three times more likely to report poor mental health and more likely to turn to substance use than their heterosexual cisgender classmates.
The Health Department offers these ways to help support LGBTQ+ youth:
• Have regular and open conversations about mental health.
• Use the names and gender pronouns that they provide.
• Challenge harmful jokes and comments made by others.
• Show compassion, respect, and acceptance.
• Listen and be present.
If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone else, help is available.
• Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, where trained counselors are available 24/7.
• Call the LGBT National Hotline at 888-843-4564 for free and confidential support in a safe and affirming space.
• Call the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 for a free and confidential suicide crisis hotline that supports LGBTQ+ young people.
Learn more about suicide prevention resources by visiting facingsuicidevt.com, or call VT Helplink at 802-565-LINK (5465) for free, confidential, and caring alcohol and drug support and referral 24 hours a day, every day. Learn more at vthelplink.org.
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