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\n While there is no “typical” suicidal person, there are some common\n stressors that can make young people feel like life isn’t worth living,\n especially if they don’t have coping strategies in place.\n
\n\n Your friend might feel disconnected from family or other close\n friends. This could be due to a conflict or because they’ve\n become a victim of bullying at school or online.\n
\n\n Young people who are Two-Spirit, gay, lesbian, bisexual or\n transgender may feel pressured to hide their sexual\n orientation or gender identity from others and may worry about\n being rejected by their family or about being “outed.”\n
\n\n Studies have shown that children & youth with no one to help\n them understand their culture or those disconnected from their\n communities and cultural practices were more likely to have\n suicide ideation.\n
\n\n Problems with schoolwork, peers, peer pressure, bullying or\n teachers can make day-to-day feel unbearable.\n
\n\n The historical events of colonialism, which continue to affect\n Indigenous peoples today, cannot be overstated.\n
\n\n Stressors may include trauma, difficulties in dealing with\n sexual orientation, unplanned pregnancy or other significant\n real or impending loss.\n
\n\n Another common secret is physical or emotional abuse or sexual\n abuse which youth often hide out of fear or shame.\n
\n\n Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, low self-esteem or\n addictions can cause significant stress. Your friend may\n experience these problems directly or through guardians or\n other family members that are experiencing them.\n
\n\n Dealing with family loss, a parent or guardian’s recent\n separation or divorce, instability or significant family\n conflict can feel like too much to overcome.\n
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