Friday, August 14, 2020

What Parents Should Know About Gay Bullying and Suicide

What Parents Should Know About Gay Bullying and Suicide Relationships LGBTQ Print What Parents Should Know About Gay Bullying and Suicide Parents can intervene and support children during trying times By Lauren DiMaria linkedin Lauren DiMaria is a member of the Society of Clinical Research Associates and childhood psychology expert. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren DiMaria Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 03, 2020 iStock More in Relationships LGBTQ Spouses & Partners Violence and Abuse Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately. The disturbing increase in gay bullying and youth suicides  may have parents worried about depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children. Learn which signs to look out for and get help, if needed. What Is Gay Bullying? Bullying, in general, is broadly defined as being repeatedly exposed over time to the intentional negative actions of one or more people. These negative actions are typically direct insults, threats, or physical violence. Cyberbullying, a form of indirect bullying, may also occur. This is when a bully harasses someone anonymously online. Gay bullying is typically directed at youths who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT) or who are questioning their sexual identity. In addition to the common forms of bullying, gay bullying may also include sexual harassment and assault. Some research sadly indicates that more than 80 percent of LGBT people have reported experiencing homophobic bullying in their lifetime. The Effects of Gay Bullying There is a range of consequences associated with bullying in general, which may include a negative impact on self-esteem, feelings of isolation, symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts or actions. However, it is important to remember that not all victims of bullying will experience serious negative consequences. Some research has suggested that the effects of bullying on LGBT and questioning youth may be complicated by additional factors. During adolescence, children are striving to establish an identity separate from their families. A rite of passage for this time is to form romantic relationships. Unfortunately, some LGBT and questioning children do not receive needed support or approval from their peers or family to establish these relationships, and in turn a sexual identity. A lack of social and familial support, combined with homophobic bullying, may increase the likelihood of depression and or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Additionally, bullied LGBT and questioning students who felt their school was less accepting of diversity and did not enjoy going to school also had higher rates of alcohol and marijuana use, as well as depressive and suicidal feelings. These findings highlight the importance of family and peer support and a schools promotion of diversity and intolerance for bullying. What Can Parents Do? While knowing that your child is being bullied can leave a parent feeling helpless, there are a few essential things that parents can do to help their child: Support Your Child.  As mentioned earlier, LGBT and questioning youth with supportive parents are less likely to be impacted negatively by homophobic bullying. In general, children with family and social support are less likely to feel isolated and lonely. Speak to your child about his or her feelings, and verbalize that you are behind them all the way.Intervene Productively.  Expose homophobic bullying in a productive way. This means reaching out to community resources for help. A parent may suggest or volunteer to bring anti-bullying and diversity tolerance programs to the schools curriculum.Have Your Child Assessed and Treated for Depression.  If you think that your child is depressed or suicidal, have him assessed by his pediatrician or other mental health care provider. Treatment is the best option for recovery.Symptoms like academic decline,  loss of interest in areas of former interest, social withdrawal, changes in sleep and appetite,  unexplained/vague physical symptoms,  or unexplained excessive crying may be symptoms of depression.

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