Teen suicide is a common problem in the LGBT community. Life can be difficult for gay teens, and some may see no other option. There is hope. Talking to trained professionals will arm you with the tools you need to recover from severe depression and help you deal with the pressures of being an LGBT teen. While we are not mental health professionals, we do take these matters seriously. If you or someone else you know is contemplating suicide, please call 1-800-SUICIDE, 1-800-999-9999, or 1-866-4U-TREVOR. There are also online resources available including suicide.com, The Trevor Project, Have a Heart's Suicide Help, and metonia.org. Suicide.org has a list of numbers by country here.

Signs that a teen may be contemplating suicide:

1. Change in personality: sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic.
2. Change in behavior: can't concentrate on work, school, routine tasks.
3. Change in sleep pattern: oversleeping or insomnia, sometimes with early waking.
4. Change in eating habits: loss of appetite and weight, or overeating.
5. Loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed.
6. Worry about money, illness (either real or imaginary).
7. Fear of losing control, going crazy, harming self or others.
8. Feelings of overwhelming guilt, shame, self-hatred.
9. No hope for the future: "It will never get better; I will always feel this way."
10. Drug or alcohol abuse.
11. Recent loss through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, or loss of job, money, status, self-confidence, self- esteem.
12. Loss of religious faith.
13. Nightmares.
14. Stockpiling medications.
15. Giving away or offering to give away prized possessions.
16. Not caring about life in general.

If you or any teen you know are exhibiting any of these symptoms, please contact help immediately. The life you save may be your own. Take suicide threats seriously. DO NOT shrug it off as a joke, because sometimes the person is looking for help and may complete a suicide unless someone is there to help. Suicide contemplation is an emergency and should be treated as one. Feel free to contact an administrator or moderator if you need to talk.

Added: I thought I would go ahead and add information about self-injury. Self-injury is potentially life threatening, and there are healthier ways to avoid stress. If you nee help, Call 1-800-DONTCUT® or visit the S.A.F.E. ALTERNATIVES® website.