Mental Health Risks Amongst LGBTQ+ Youth - September 2024

By Andy Healey

Youth groups who identify in the LGBTQ+ community experience societal stigma and further repudiation from their families, making them particularly at risk for mental health issues. In comparison to their straight counterparts, research has shown that they suffer from conditions like anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation at disproportional rates. This difference is not because of a person's identity, but rather, it is the direct result of how society creates an environment that is less supportive for them. 

Information from the National Library of Medicine indicates that prejudice is a major factor in irritating problems with mental health. LGBTQ+ youth often experience exclusion and bullying in school environments. Isolation in social settings brought on by such pressures might make depressive and anxious symptoms worse for these youth groups, contributing to their poor mental health overall. Furthermore, one of the main factors that can raise the risk of mental illness is their relationship with their family. For LGBTQ+ individuals, coming out can significantly strain relations with family. Repeated ostracization from family can have severe long-term effects on mental health in degradative ways. 

The Mental Health Foundation suggests that around 50% of mental health problems start by the age of 14. This shows that mental health challenges usually appear early in life. LGBTQ+ youth are particularly vulnerable during these developmental years. Navigating the normal problems of childhood with the additional stress of dealing with internalized shame and societal hostility can deeply degrade one’s mental health. In addition, LGBTQ+ people might also feel pressured to hide their identities from the people around, making the stress they are already dealing with even worse. 

Evidence consistently demonstrates that providing early care and fostering a supportive environment can thoroughly better the mental health outcomes of LGBTQ+ youth. Schools, local communities, and especially healthcare systems must offer programs that specifically address the difficulties that these young queer people go through. Similarly, anti-discrimination laws, peer groups, and counselors that are familiar LGBTQ+ issues can all dampen the mental health burden this group faces. Family support is also particularly important. Mental health problems are less likely among children whose parents embrace them throughout their early life. Establishing a stable and healthy life at home will allow LGBTQ+ children to flourish in their environment and develop healthier relationships with their mental health.

Sources:

McConnell, E. A., Birkett, M. A., & Mustanski, B. (2015). Typologies of Social Support and Associations with Mental Health Outcomes Among LGBT Youth. LGBT health, 2(1), 55–61. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2014.0051

Children and young people: Statistics. Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/children-young-people-statistics#:~:text=50%25%20of%20mental%20health%20problems,and%2075%25%20by%20age%2024.