How You Can Save a Life This Season

Courtesy of The Trevor Project

While many of us feel the end of December in Philadelphia is one of the most exciting and spirited times of the year, for some people – especially if they are young and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) – it is not. We might not understand why, but a way we can help them through the tough holiday season is to keep the number for the The Trevor Project Lifeline handy (866-488-7386).

For young people experiencing depression, the holidays can be very challenging because they lose the structure and support of school, their access to counseling is more limited, and their trusted networks of support – their friends – aren’t immediately available. To them, attending holiday parties, dances, concerts, the famous light show at Macy’s, shopping at the Christmas Village or enjoying the Christmas tree at City Hall can be hurtful or even painful experiences because they feel alone and isolated in the midst of everyone else’s warm celebrations.

You can be a lifeline to a young LGBTQ person this holiday, just by showing you care. As a parent, grandparent, family friend, or mentor, your role is even more important now that school is out because you are that young person’s strongest tie and support. Connect with them and really listen to what they tell you about feeling lonely or sad, and accept that for them, the feelings are real and possibly intense. If they talk about wanting to die, and mention a method or seem to have a plan, respond by getting help and empower them to use it.

Not all young LGBTQ people experience depression, but for those who do, the holidays can reinforce the hurt and isolation they feel as being different, and reinforce feelings of rejection by their families, communities, or religion. It is a time when they are most likely to engage in risky and sometimes life-threatening behaviors.

The Trevor Project is an excellent resource for youth who are experiencing feelings of depression, isolation, or are facing challenges associated with coming out. The counselors are trained to understand the issues that specifically affect LGBTQ youth, and the 24-hour Trevor Lifeline is accredited by the American Association of Suicideology and follow nationally accepted standards of care.

If you or someone you care about shows warning signs for suicide, please do not hesitate to call The Trevor Lifeline. The call is free and confidential. You can also reach out locally to Hall Mercer Crisis Response Center (215-829-5433), Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (215-955-6000), and the William Way Community Center (215-732-2220). Please keep these numbers in your purse, wallet or pocket. You might save a young person’s life.

There’s also a Facebook page for the Philadelphia Ambassadors Council.

Jeanne McIntyre and D. Mark Mitchell are co-chairs of The Trevor Project’s Philly Ambassadors Council, a local group of leaders who help ensure the life-saving suicide prevention programs of The Trevor Project are available and accessible to young LGBTQ people in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. The Philly Ambassadors Council has been active since 2010.