Self-Injury Awareness Day
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
Trigger Warning: This post discusses self-harm, suicide, and how it affects the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
March 1st marks Self-Injury Awareness Day. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community continues to experience increased mental health challenges due to homophobia, transphobia, and systemic discrimination. It is important to raise awareness of how common self-injury is and to encourage an open dialogue around self-harm behaviours to increase understanding, reduce the stigma, and support those currently experiencing distress.
Self-Injury and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community
32% of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Canada report poor to fair mental health compaired to 11% reported by heterosexuals
40% of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Canada report contemplating suicide compaired to 15% reported by heterosexuals
41% of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Canada are diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder compaired to 16% of heterosexuals diagnosed
These numbers are further inflated for transgender and nonbinary individuals 45% of who report poor to fair mental health, 45% report contemplating suicide, and 62% have been diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder.
“2SLGBTQIA+ individuals experience additional stress as a result of discrimination and stigma, stigma both at the societal level but also the way that living in a society that privileges heterosexuality that has homophobic laws and policies comes to sort of teach 2SLGBTQIA+ people even to view themselves as inferior.” - Dr. Jeremy Kidd
It is critical for anyone struggling with self-injury or self-harm to reach out to those who can help and get support. There are healthier ways to cope with deep emotional issues and many healthier ways to heal.
Resources
QMUNITY’s mission is to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives through services, connection and leadership. Part of the services we provide are low-cost or free counselling services, peer groups, and harm reduction supplies. We feel it is important to remove as many barriers as possible for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to have access to mental health and support services.
Resources for Help
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you are not alone. Please reach out to one of the trusted crisis lines or services listed below:
Suicide Helpline
(24 hrs/day)
Trans Lifeline
Canada (877) 330-6366
Citations
Jaffrey, B. (September 2020) Statistics Canada
