The Trevor Project has released the information on LGBTQ youth mental health with its second annual national survey. The survey looks at 40,000 individuals on topics regarding mental health access and disparities, housing instability, conversion therapy, and suicide.
Most of the people who participated in the survey have a generalized anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder. With that being noted, almost half of the participants reported having been engaging in self-harm. Another point to highlight is that of those who wanted mental health care, many lack the ability to receive it. Furthermore, people who had positive care such as having a supportive individual, queer spaces, proper use of pronouns, and the ability to access gender-affirming tools reported having significantly lower rates of suicide attempts than those who do not have those outlets.
“For years, suicide has been the second leading cause of death among young people in the U.S., but we still do not fully grasp the disproportionate impact it has on LGBTQ young people because of insufficient national data collection. This survey — the largest ever conducted on LGBTQ youth mental health — provides critical insights into the lives of LGBTQ youth and risk factors for suicide,” said Amit Paley, the CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “We strongly urge public health officials and policymakers to make significant investments in mental health research and support programs that take an intersectional approach to meet the unique needs of diverse communities across the country. We know that a one-size-fits-all approach to suicide prevention does not work; the need for robust research, systematic data collection, and comprehensive mental health support has never been greater.”
Without having access to proper mental health care resources, the lives of our youth are significantly impacted in a negative way. Schools can do work to make sure youth feel safer by allowing a GSA, in-school therapy resources, and an overall atmosphere of respect.
Transgender and nonbinary individuals who reported having their pronouns being used properly have lower rates of suicide attempts however only 20 percent have had success in others respecting their pronouns, whereas the other 80 percent did not.
People can support The Trevor Project, the world’s largest prevention and intervention organization, here.
