Keep the Conversation Going
So what is conversion therapy?
Conversion therapy is when someone attempts to change another individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Other names include “gender critical therapy,” “reparative therapy,” and “sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts.” The most common type is talk therapy, but more extreme practices exist.
700,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults have undergone conversion “therapy” at some point in their lives and half received treatment as minors, according to a study from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law.
The effects of conversion therapy and why it should be illegal everywhere.
Every leading medical and mental health organization has warned that conversion therapy is discredited, harmful, and ineffective.
Conversion therapy has proven to lead to drug use, self-harm, homelessness, depression, and suicide. According to a 2019 Trevor Project national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health, 42 percent of LGBTQ youth who underwent conversion therapy reported a suicide attempt in the prior year.
Read Dignity USA’s Catholic Perspectives on the Dangers of Conversion Therapy to learn more.
Signs that someone you know might be struggling.
Verbal cues
They give you direct verbal cues like, “I want to die.” Don’t treat phrases like this as a joke. If someone you love is saying things that have you concerned, it’s time to take action.
Isolation
They are isolating themselves and want to be alone. Sometimes people need space to heal, but make sure you’re checking in and notice when they’re pushing people away.
Anger and aggression
They show unexplained anger, aggression, or irritability. They may not be acting like themselves and easily agitated.
Taking more risks
Engaging in risky or reckless behavior might happen when someone feels like they have nothing to lose. Watch out for anything that feel out of character
Negative and hopeless
They are feeling negative or hopeless about life. Even when you try to lift them up, they are always looking at the downside of things.
How you can help them.
Ask directly
Ask the person directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?” Being direct about suicidal intent can lower anxiety, open up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act.
Create a private and comfortable space
Talk to the person in a private setting, giving them plenty of time to speak freely.
Be prepared
Have resources ready, such as contact information for an adult you trust and counselor and therapist info.
Active listening
Really listen and offer hope. One way is saying, “Thank you for telling me. I care about you and we’ll get through this.”
Get help
Take the person directly to someone who can help. You can find some helpful resources here.