Suicide is a horrible, horrible tragedy. So any news about its rate being lower is always welcomed.
In an interesting new study, teen suicide rate is significantly lower in areas that support equality and are gay-friendly, with higher proportions of same-sex couples and schools with gay-supportive policies!
Here are some statistics:
The study of 32,000 Oregon high school students, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual teens are five times more likely to commit suicide than their straight peers.
Even straight teens had higher rates of suicide attempts in more socially conservative areas.
Hatzenbuehler used social data on high school juniors from 34 counties in Oregon from 2006 to 2008. He then created a social score for each county, based on prevalence of gay and lesbian couples; the proportion of schools with GSAs and anti-bullying policies; and the percentage of registered Democrats.
LGB teens who lived in counties with lower social environment scores had a 22% higher rate of suicide attempts than those living in areas with higher scores.
Sometimes depression and suicidal feelings can’t be avoided no matter the location, but this news is extremely positive. It just goes to show that equality and fellow human acceptance and understanding is a very powerful thing!
Everyone should be making everyone feel comfortable and safe, regardless if depression is involved, but especially if it is!
Equality and understanding for all!