The Role of Help-Seeking in Preventing Suicide Attempts Among Lesbians, Gay Men, and Bisexuals

June 2014

The study is the first to examine whether seeking various forms of mental health treatment is associated with lower odds of a suicide attempt in a diverse group of LGB adults. It was published in the Journal of Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior in May 2014.

AUTHORS

Ilan H. Meyer
Distinguished Senior Scholar of Public Policy
Merilee A. Teylan
Research & Consulting Manager, National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center
Sharon Schwartz
Professor, Columbia University

CONTACT US ABOUT THIS STUDY

Highlights

Seeking mental health or medical treatment was not associated with lower odds of a suicide attempt.

Seeking religious or spiritual treatment was associated with higher odds of a suicide attempt.

Black and Latino LGB respondents were underrepresented in mental health or medical treatment.

Data Points

17%

of respondents reported a suicide attempt over their lifetime

8%

of respondents reported a serious suicide attempt

23%

of respondents who attempted suicide sought mental health or medical treatment prior to the attempt

14%

of respondents who had attempted suicide sought religious or spiritual treatment prior to the attempt

Please contact our communications office for a full copy of the study.

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