For those within the LBGTQ community, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people. They’re four times more likely to consider suicide and make plans for it versus their allies and peers. Preventing suicide and enhancing resilience in these challenges is a critical aspect of providing mental health care for LBGTQ patients. Goals of self-acceptance, positive social engagement, and improved mental health in these communities are essential. Because these risks are so high among LBGTQ people, it’s important to provide resources and support for those within the community and give them tools for better mental health.

One under the noted aspect of the LBGTQ community is those older, especially those 65 and older, who account for at least 17% of fatal suicides, even though they make up 15% of the total US population. Older LBGTQ people have endured a longer life of stigmatization for their sexual and gender orientation, especially older gay men, who often face stigmatization of masculinity and social norms that influence their thoughts and emotions when connecting it to their identity. It’s important to note that older LBGTQ members tend to also experience higher rates of suicide in comparison to their straight peers.

Risk Factors For Suicide in Older Gay Men

There is a confluence of risk factors affecting older gay men that may lead to suicide. The rates of suicide among gay and bisexual men are at least 12% higher than the overall rate of American men, and many of the common themes of suicide among older gay men revolve around a sense of hopelessness due to the predicaments of their life.

For older gay and bisexual men, these risk factors include:

• Trauma and Abuse: For older gay and bisexual men who experienced familial or relationship abuse, traumatic events caused by these incidents can cause an increased risk of suicide, especially if it surrounds their sexual and gender orientation.
• Stressful Life Events: States of unemployment, familial separation, and other stressful life events can increase the risk of suicide due to surmounting feelings of hopelessness, mental health history of depression, and the absence of mental health care.
• Financial Problems: Financial issues due to stressful life events can heavily contribute to the risk of suicide among older gay men, as it reduces access to resources for mental health and other support systems.
• History of Suicide in Family: Those who have a history of suicide within their family are more likely to do so later on in life.

Alongside that, feelings of loneliness, the pressure to conform to masculine norms, and other factors such as racial background can cause an increased risk. While the majority of gay and bisexual men often are able to maintain good mental health, they’re still at risk for greater mental health problems than their straight counterparts. Because of these challenges, it’s important to seek out mental health resources for you and your loved ones. Choosing the right therapist is critical for good mental health is crucial, and reaching out to your therapist can help you experience better wellness overall.

For those within the LBGTQ community, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people. They’re four times more likely to consider suicide and make plans for it versus their allies and peers. Preventing suicide and enhancing resilience in these challenges is a critical aspect of providing mental health care for LBGTQ patients. Goals of self-acceptance, positive social engagement, and improved mental health in these communities are essential. Because these risks are so high among LBGTQ people, it’s important to provide resources and support for those within the community and give them tools for better mental health.

One under the noted aspect of the LBGTQ community is those older, especially those 65 and older, who account for at least 17% of fatal suicides, even though they make up 15% of the total US population. Older LBGTQ people have endured a longer life of stigmatization for their sexual and gender orientation, especially older gay men, who often face stigmatization of masculinity and social norms that influence their thoughts and emotions when connecting it to their identity. It’s important to note that older LBGTQ members tend to also experience higher rates of suicide in comparison to their straight peers.

Risk Factors For Suicide in Older Gay Men

There is a confluence of risk factors affecting older gay men that may lead to suicide. The rates of suicide among gay and bisexual men are at least 12% higher than the overall rate of American men, and many of the common themes of suicide among older gay men revolve around a sense of hopelessness due to the predicaments of their life.

For older gay and bisexual men, these risk factors include:

• Trauma and Abuse: For older gay and bisexual men who experienced familial or relationship abuse, traumatic events caused by these incidents can cause an increased risk of suicide, especially if it surrounds their sexual and gender orientation.
• Stressful Life Events: States of unemployment, familial separation, and other stressful life events can increase the risk of suicide due to surmounting feelings of hopelessness, mental health history of depression, and the absence of mental health care.
• Financial Problems: Financial issues due to stressful life events can heavily contribute to the risk of suicide among older gay men, as it reduces access to resources for mental health and other support systems.
• History of Suicide in Family: Those who have a history of suicide within their family are more likely to do so later on in life.

Alongside that, feelings of loneliness, the pressure to conform to masculine norms, and other factors such as racial background can cause an increased risk. While the majority of gay and bisexual men often are able to maintain good mental health, they’re still at risk for greater mental health problems than their straight counterparts. Because of these challenges, it’s important to seek out mental health resources for you and your loved ones. Choosing the right therapist is critical for good mental health is crucial, and reaching out to your therapist can help you experience better wellness overall.