Those we care about in the LGBTQ+ community — friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors — must confront stigma and prejudice based on their sexual orientation or gender identity while also dealing with the societal bias against mental health conditions.

Families, friends, and allies play a critical role and can take actions to be supportive LGBTQ+ loved ones and community members. A few suggestions:

Respect Their Identity

We can all take simple steps to respect the identity of LGBTQ+ people by affirming how they choose to live and using their chosen gender pronouns. Affirming LGBTQ+ people’s identities can actually save lives; a study indicated that using transgender youths’ chosen names may lower suicide risk.

Learn About Mental Illness Warning Signs

Mental illness is complicated and difficult to understand, but knowledge and insight helps us to be supportive. Review the warning signs of mental illness and find out what you can do to prevent suicide.

Create and Teach Awareness

Be supportive publicly, by addressing anti-LGBTQ+ language and actions when you hear or see them.

Support organizations and policies benefiting the LGBTQ+ community.

Support Them in Accessing Mental Health Resources

Share the It Gets Better Project, a campaign to share hopeful, inspiring stories.

Find out more from The Trevor Project, which provides a national, 24-hour, toll-free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth: 866-488-7386.

Suggest attending a local NAMI support group, and/or attend one yourself. Find your local NAMI California affiliate here.

Listen and Be Compassionate

As always, be compassionate of the struggles of others and offer to listen and help.

What You Can Do to Support the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Loved Ones