Many families are at a loss on how to help relatives contemplating suicide as the subject is still often considered a social taboo, according to parents whose children had tried to end their life.
The sensitive topic came under the spotlight yesterday during a conference by Drachma LGBTI and Drachma Parents Group, which seek to promote awareness on the difficulties faced by LGBTQI people and their families.
It was targeted at reaching out to parents, educators, pastoral workers and professionals to raise awareness on the silent killer hidden within families.
Councillor Matthew Bartolo, who spoke at the conference, said 60 per cent of transgender women suffered psychological distresses, as opposed to 9.2 per cent of the general population.
A mother whose son had tried to commit suicide some two years ago told The Sunday Times of Malta that while many families of LGBTQI persons went through such an ordeal, there was still little awareness on the subject.
As a result, she said, many parents often shied away from discussing suicide and self-harm with their children.
“I remember clearly the night my son, who is transgender, wanted to commit suicide. He had rushed downstairs and started grabbing knives, yelling he couldn’t take the struggle anymore.
“He wasn’t even 16 at the time,” the mother, who did not wish to be named, said. The family felt at a loss and did not know how to handle the situation.
At that moment of crisis, when we were completely helpless… We didn’t know what to do and who to call
Immediate support for those who attempted suicide was also lacking, especially for teenagers, the mother said.
“At that moment of crisis, when we were completely helpless, not knowing what to do to help our child, immediate help was not available. We didn’t know what to do and who to call. That needs to change.”
Echoing similar concerns, the parents of 26-year-old Anne* and 20-year-old Paul*, both gays, said coming to terms with having two gay children was not easy yet they were more concerned about their children’s mental well-being.
“There were times when I wouldn’t leave the house without locking up the medicine cabinet. I’d constantly worry they would harm themselves,” the parents, who did not wish to be named, said.
The mother said she now worried even more about Anne, who had moved out of the family home, as she could no longer monitor her behaviour.
“Our society is still not accepting enough and those from the LGBTQI community face a number of challenges which other people don’t. All that contributes to their mental health.”
The parents said they themselves had initially feared speaking up about their concerns on suicide.
“I knew of families going through similar situations as us, but I did not know how to approach these people and talk to them.
“Be it the Church, the media, whichever way, the issue has to be addressed so people can be more comfortable speaking up about it,” the mother said.
Drachma Parents Group coordinator Joseanne Peregin said the group decided to hold the event to raise awareness on suicide prevention after learning of two boys who committed suicide last year after being rejected because of their sexual orientation.
According to the World Health Organisation, suicide is the second leading cause of death among those aged between 15 and 29.
*Names have been changed to protect the persons’ identity.