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What We Can Do about Gay Suicide

  September 12, 2017  |    #Eliminate Debt

Hi there! You new here? We love that you found our gay little corner of the web. Here at Debt Free Guys, we’re all about helping queer people live lives they truly love inside and out. We think happiness is a 360-degree experience (purpose, love, money, wellness, and lifestyle) that you also deserve. After reading our article below, see how we can help you more here.

Lesbian, trans, bi and gay suicide

September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. LGBTQ suicide attempts happen disproportionally more than the general population, and people who die by suicide are eight times more likely to have debt. If it helps, get a free copy of the  5 Building Blocks of a Happy Gay Life here.

Lesbian, trans, bi and gay suicide and queer money

Have your finances ever caused you to think about suicide?

We hosted Melanie Lockert of Dear Debt on episode 67 of the Queer Money® podcast in September 2017 a part of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Hear Melanie Lockert on gay suicide on Queer Money®:

What you should know about LGBTQ suicide

People who die by suicide are 8 times more likely to be in debt. LGBTQ people disproportionately attempt suicide relative to the general population. The fifth leading cause of death of all men, queer or straight, is suicide. The problem is so severe that the rate of suicide among men is currently 3 ½ times that of women. Middle-aged, white men account for 7 out of 10 suicides. Suicide rates for men over the age of 75 are nine to 12 times higher than women.

Suicide and suicide attempts are higher in the queer community than the general population. Queer teens and young adults have the highest rate of suicide attempts.

Many lesbian, trans, bi and gay suicides are usually a cause of cumulative effects and when victims feel they have nowhere to turn or that they have no other options, whether they struggle with their sexual orientation, their finances or both. The more we become aware of the signs and risks of suicides the better we can help prevent them.

Substance abuse in the queer community and gay suicide

The Advocate 2015 stated in that “gay men have a drinking problem,” as the CDC reported that “[queer] people are more likely to use alcohol and drugs, have higher rates of substance abuse, and are more liable to continue drinking into later life.” The CDC further said the reasons for increased stress and depression among queer people are the same reasons they turn to drugs and alcohol.

5 Building Blocks of a Happy Gay Life

Another reason is that to self-medicate, many queer people find refuge with drugs and alcohol. That refuge is only temporary at best and most drugs, including alcohol, are depressants. Therefore, self-medication only exacerbates their depression, and the cost of drugs and alcohol adds to their financial troubles.

We talk more in-depth about gay suicide on this Queer Money Follow-Up:

Resources to help prevent lesbian, trans, bi and gay suicide:

While we’re talking about being healthier and living better lives this month, we can’t forget about those who feel their lives have no worth. We can’t forget about those who struggle to get out of bed in the morning, let alone make it to the gym. We can’t forget about those who have been conditioned to feel inadequate, disappointed or worthless. 

If you or someone you know suffers from depression, substance abuse or thoughts of suicide, talk about it and know that others care.

How can you get more Debt Free Guys and Queer Money®?

✅ Subscribe to the Queer Money® podcast here @ debtfreeguys.com/qm
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Here are more resources for self-care:

We’re David and John Auten-Schneider, the Debt Free Guys (www.debtfreeguys.com) and hosts of the Queer Money® podcast. We help queer people (and allies) live fabulously not fabulously broke by helping them 1) pay off credit card debt, 2) become part- or full-time entrepreneurs and 3) save and invest for retirement.

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