TOLEDO, Ohio — One of the leading causes of death in the United States is suicide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers.
Behavioral health state-wide organization OhioGuidestone is offering a mental health services program called AFFIRM to reach those youth in need.
Using group therapy, attendees 12 to 21 years old can join in order to help learn to manage their stress, learn coping and positive validation skills unique to their community.
OhioGuidestone Regional Director of Operations Victoria Grahm said offering this option just makes sense.
"Why would you just not want somebody to feel better?" Grahm said.
The CDC found suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10 to 14-year-olds, and third cause among 15 to 24-year-olds, with those within the LGBTQ+ community at a significantly higher risk.
Equality Toledo's Tammy McInerney said the facts prove it.
"If a trans youth has one adult support person that is affirming and accepting, it lowers their suicide attempt rate by 40%," McInerney said.
AFFIRM's group sessions can be in-person or telehealth. They're all aimed at building a safe community to share thoughts, feelings and questions between the age groups.
"We do know that there is a big difference in the stress that people experience if they do have an identity that is maybe not as supported in society," Grahm said. "So, part of this group is to be able to offer coping skills."
For LGBTQ+ youth, that stress is often made worse by factors outside of their control.
"LGBTQ youth are bullied at a rate three times higher than non-LGBTQ youth," McInerney said. "Which, if you really think about it, that's one in two."
Grahm and McInerney emphasized that the AFFIRM program will not be forcing 12 to 21-year-olds into thinking a certain way, guiding or grooming their opinions.
Grahm said parents are informed of topics covered and must give consent for their child to even join the program.
"Nobody is pushing an agenda to create LGBTQ youth," McInerney said. "There's no harm in having these support groups."
"It's definitely not a new idea. Talking about things isn't going to put ideas into people's heads. It is so out in society now that you need a safe place to be able to process that," Grahm said.
The program is free to join. There are confidentiality and consent forms participants must sign and a guardian's permission is needed for some to join.
For more information, contact Debra Bailey at 419-349-5989 or by email at debra.bailey@ohioguidestone.org.
—
The National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for anyone in distress and resources for anyone who may need help. By dialing 988, you can be connected with a local crisis center 24/7 for help. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org.
If you are a young member of the LGBTQ+ community and need help in any way, you can also call the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386. Calls made to the Trevor Project are free and kept confidential.
If a situation involves immediate danger to you or a loved one, NAMI Greater Toledo says calling 911 and talking with police may be necessary. It is important to tell 911 that it is a psychiatric emergency and ask for police officers trained in crisis intervention.
MORE LOCAL HEADLINES FROM WTOL 11 NEWS: