September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

By Gus Hernandez

September marks National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a month to remember the lives lost to suicide, those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many people impacted by suicide. It’s also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.

The San Diego LGBT Community Center: A Beacon of Hope and Healing

In the heart of Hillcrest, The San Diego LGBT Community Center stands as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a wide array of services designed to support and uplift individuals from all walks of life. Among its many initiatives, The Center’s Behavioral Health Services plays a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of the community, particularly in these challenging times when anti-LGBTQ legislation is being proposed across the country at record levels. 

Behavioral Health Services at The Center

The Center’s Behavioral Health Services team provides comprehensive mental health support, including individual, couples, family, and group counseling as well as gender affirming letters in support of trans/nonbinary community members seeking letters of medical necessity for transition purposes. These services are tailored to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face higher rates of mental health issues due to societal stigma, discrimination, and lack of acceptance.

Counseling for Those Who Have Experienced Hate Crimes

Behavioral Health Services is proud to offer counseling services to folks who have experienced a hate crime or hate incident. Contact stopthehate@thecentersd.org to report any hate crimes or hate incidents to determine if you qualify to receive mental health support.

Healing Our Spiritual Selves

One of the newest additions to The Center’s offerings, in collaboration with the Urban Restoration Counseling Center, is the Healing Our Spiritual Selves support group. This dedicated, in-person group meets every Thursday at 6pm at The Center’s BHS office, and it is designed to help LGBTQ+ community members recognize and address the impact of religious trauma. This is a safe space where members can build resilience to religious trauma, inspiring peace and acceptance through new connections with the self and spirit. For more information, contact Urban Restoration Counseling Center at info@urbanrestorationcounseling.org or call (619) 648-1158.

Rise Above the Stigma

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting the Rise Above the Stigma event on September 20, focused on learning coping skills, providing community support, and sharing ways to reduce suicide in our community. The event will take place from 6-8pm and is hosted by The Center, in collaboration with Urban Restoration Counseling Center, and other community partners.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about available resources, connect with others who share similar experiences, and participate in activities designed to promote mental well-being.

The Alarming Reality

Members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly young people, face disproportionately high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. According to the Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their non-LGBTQ peers. This alarming statistic is compounded by the rising tide of hate and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric across the country, which further marginalizes and isolates these individuals.

The intersection of identity and mental health is complex, and the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair. Discrimination, family rejection, and societal stigma are just a few of the factors that contribute to the mental health crisis within the community.

A Place of Belonging

In the face of these challenges, The San Diego LGBT Community Center serves as a beacon of hope and belonging. The Center provides a safe and affirming space where individuals can find support, acceptance, and community. Through its various programs and services, The Center works tirelessly to address the mental health needs of the LGBTQ+ community and to promote overall well-being.

Behavioral Health Services is just one aspect of The Center’s comprehensive approach to support. From youth programs and senior services to HIV testing and prevention, The Center offers a wide range of resources designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. Each program is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to live a life free from discrimination and filled with love and acceptance.

Building a Brighter Future

As we look to the future, it is clear that the work of The San Diego LGBT Community Center is more important than ever. The rising rates of suicidal ideation and the increasing hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community underscore the need for safe spaces and supportive services.

By creating opportunities for healing, connection, and advocacy, The Center’s innovative programs and events continue to address the mental health crisis head-on and provide a lifeline for those in need. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, The Center remains a steadfast source of support, hope, and healing for the LGBTQ+ community in San Diego and beyond.