[Suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth: necessity, model and approaches].

BACKGROUND

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth (LGBTQ+) are at a greater risk of attempting suicide at least once in their lives than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. However, evidence-based suicide prevention approaches and models for LGBTQ+ youth are lacking.

METHODS

Using German-language and international literature, the background of suicidal behaviour among LGBTQ+ youth was highlighted, gaps were identified and, based on this, a model of intersectional and multisectoral suicide prevention was designed.

RESULTS

The few concepts for strengthening mental health and suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ youth stem from social work, clinical psychology and psychiatry/medicine. However, a consistently multisectoral perspective and consideration of the intertwining of further diversity dimensions such as "race", socioeconomic status, etc. with sexual orientation and/or gender identity is lacking in suicide prevention. Based on Russell and Fish's (2016) model, a new conceptual model of suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth was designed, and universal, selective and indicated approaches were exemplified.

CONCLUSION

The proposed model provides a new conceptual framework to locate, plan and implement suicide prevention interventions at different levels, intersectionally and across different professions and sectors.