This piece was first published by. 19..

When the presidential race was called for Donald Trump in the early hours of Wednesday last week, calls and messages to the leading LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization erupted in an outpouring of anxiety about the election results.

Trevor Project There was an overall 700 percent increase in calls, messages and chats compared to previous weeks. The organization offers a lifeline via phone, online chat or text to LGBTQ+ youth who are struggling with depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts as they try to come out to their families or face discrimination. Currently, services are experiencing long wait times during a particularly sensitive time for LGBTQ+ people.

A spokesperson for the Trevor Project said LGBTQ+ youth in these conversations were afraid, confused and anxious about the outcome of the election. Crisis services typically focus on supporting the mental health of gay and transgender youth ages 13 to 24 as they navigate relationships, gender identity, and coming out.

The vast majority of young LGBTQ+ Americans are now seeking emergency help for what they describe as “election anxiety” in text and chat messages to the hotline.

These calls for help do not occur in a vacuum. Them It is the result of the political environment that brought transphobia into the political mainstream. especially From Trump’s campaign. Former president’s campaign spent more than $20 million Ads that portray transgender people as harmful to society or attack Vice President Kamala Harris’ support for transgender people.

Trump has committed to In his second term, he implemented extreme anti-LGBTQ+ policies, such as trying to accuse teachers of gender discrimination for affirming students’ gender identities. Some of his proposals mimic anti-LGBTQ+ state laws enacted in the last few years.

These state laws and the vitriol surrounding them continually erode the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. Former research Research from the Trevor Project, in collaboration with pollster Morning Consult, has found that government proposals restricting the rights of LGBT+ young people in schools, sports and practices are negatively impacting their mental health.

New research from the Trevor Project, It was published The study, published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, found that state laws targeting transgender people caused transgender and nonbinary youth to be more likely to attempt suicide in the past year.

Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, said the sudden increase in access to crisis services was concerning. However, Black added that the organization was not surprised by this situation. Wave of anti-LGBTQ+ policies It has continued to harm young people’s mental health for the past few years. “The current political climate in the United States is heavy, but it is critical that LGBTQ+ youth know that they do not have to shoulder this burden alone,” Black said.

“LGBTQ+ youth: your life matters and you were born to live it,” Black added.

Trevor Project encourages LGBTQ+ youth are taking a break from the news and social media, silencing notifications as they try to relax, and finding community wherever possible, whether in person or online.

Additional resources include Trans Lifelineowner specific sources and upcoming meetings for “those dealing with post-election grief”; messaging lines like TO DEVELOP life line and Steve Fund; by calling LGBT National Youth Talkline; Reach an advisor via or Crisis Text Line.

Another way to seek help when you are in crisis or considering suicide is to reach out to a professional. trusted friend, community or family member.
LGBTQ+ legal group Lambda Legal has compiled a list. state level resources Including mentoring programs and community centers for LGBTQ+ youth.

To connect with new friends and discuss common hobbies, Q Chat Area It offers an online community for LGBTQ+ youth. Parents of LGBTQ+ youth looking for supportive spaces can find: state and local PFLAG chapters throughout the country or to join virtual meetings.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.