Saving Our Lives: Preventing Suicide in Transgender Communities Video and Discussion Guide

Saving Our Lives: Preventing Suicide in Transgender Communities Video and Discussion Guide provides simple but important recommendations for recognizing and intervening with members of the transgender community who may be at risk for suicide. As such, it is appropriate for both caregivers and the general public. The video guide provides background on transgender suicide, definitions of transgender-related terms, and recommendations for addressing those who are transgender. It also lists six discussion questions that can help facilitate discussion of the important topics found in the video. The 10-minute video includes practical examples of how to recognize possible warning signs of suicide, how to ask directly about suicide, and how to help those who may be at risk for suicide.  

Saving Our Lives: Preventing Suicide in Transgender Communities Video and Discussion Guide was created by the Massachusetts Transgender Suicide Prevention Working Group, a collaboration of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, Fenway Health, Samaritans, Inc., and the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention. The working group was formed in 2008 to address the issue of transgender suicide by working to make communities safer and healthier for transgender people.

Information in the video and discussion guide is based on a literature review and feedback from the transgender community and service providers. The related brochure was adapted from a similar brochure produced by Samaritans, Inc. 

Program Objectives

Those who view the video will have greater:

1. Knowledge of how individuals at risk for suicide may act.
2. Knowledge of how to ask about suicide.
3. Knowledge of how to seek help for someone who may be at risk for suicide.
4. Knowledge of how to seek support as a helper.

Implementation Essentials

• Those who sponsor viewing and discussion of the video should be aware of local helping resources and let participants know how to contact these resources.
• It would be helpful to have a mental health professional attend presentations of the video.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 5.3: Intervene to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in populations with suicide risk.

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.