What Is EVOLVE? 

YouthPride developed the Evolve! program in order to address the growing problem of suicide among LGBTQQ teenagers and young adults. The program provides therapeutic services to youth in crisis while also working to increase community awareness of mental health issues, depression and suicide for "at risk" youth and young adults in Metro Atlanta. 

EVOLVE! expanded its services in 2008 by offering YouthPride members free individual, couples, and group counseling in a non-judgmental and confidential environment. Counseling is provided on site by licensed practitioners or a counseling intern. We also provide counseling or referrals to YP members' families and offer workshops to the public.

Warning Signs of Suicide

There are several warning signs of suicide that are particularly associated with a higher Emergency Risk level, these include:

• Having a Plan for Suicide and the Means to Carry it Out – This is the first and likely the most important warning sign. A detailed plan involves the questions of when, where and how do they plan to complete a suicide. Accessibility to the tools necessary to complete this plan—to carry it out—is the second half of this very important portion of the risk assessment.
• Expressing Suicidal Feelings – Directly, “I want to die,” “I just want to kill myself,” or indirectly, “Sometimes I think I would be better off dead,” “Nothing seems worthwhile anymore,” “Nobody will miss me anyway.”
• Making Final Arrangements – Giving away prized possessions, writing a will, making arrangements for someone to take care of their pets, returning things that they have borrowed. Although research is not clear that these behaviors indicate an imminent suicide attempt, it is reasonable to assume that having done these things reflects a greater potential for suicidal action.
• Signs of Depression – Loss of pleasure, sad mood, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, feelings of hopelessness and expressing a lot of guilt.
• Change in Regular Behavior – Does not care about schoolwork, starts failing tests, disinterested in personal hygiene and change in sleeping patterns.
• Alcohol or Drug Use Increases
• Increased Isolation – From family and friends.
• History of Suicide in the Family