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Is when a person has suicidal thoughts or ideas. They may have contemplations, wishes, and preoccupations with death or suicide (Harmer, 2023)

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45% LGBTQ+ considered suicide in the last year

More than half of the 45% were transgender or nonbinary (TheTrevorProject,2023).

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2nd leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 10 and 24.

LGBTQ+ are 4 times more likely to consider or commit suicide

1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth consider suicide

At least one attempts every 45 seconds

5.87 time higher in Trans teens

3.71 times higher in gay or lesbian teens

3.69 times higher in bisexual teens (Newport Academy, 2020).

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Research shows that lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) teens are at increased risk of suicide and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. One of the most startling statistics: LGBTQ teens consider suicide and make suicide attempts at about four times the national rate for all adolescents.

These numbers shed light on the critical importance of suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and all year round, parents, teachers, mentors, and policymakers must help ensure that LGBTQ teens receive ongoing support and access to mental healthcare resources.

Key Takeaways

The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the United States, and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

These challenges include stigma, family rejection, bullying, threats of injury, violence, and increasingly limited access to gender-affirming healthcare.

Higher rates of depression among the LGBTQ population also lead to higher rates of substance abuse, as a form of self-medication for mental health issues.

Research has consistently shown thatsupport and acceptance from parents leads to better mental health, greater self-acceptance, and enhanced well-being among LGBTQ youth.

Statistics on Mental Health and Suicide Among LBGTQ Youth

LGBTQ teen suicide rates and LGBTQ mental health statistics reflect the societal and relationship challenges that these young people face. According to research from the Trevor Project, LGBTQ teens are four times more likely to make a suicide attempt. In addition, The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 millionLGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the United States. That's at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

The Trevor Project's 2023 survey also asked questions about the mental health of LGBTQ youth and their ability to access care. Here are some of the key findings:

70 percent of LGBTQ teens experienced symptoms of anxiety in the past year.

57 percent of LGBTQ teens experienced symptoms of depression.

Among all LGBTQ youth surveyed (ages 13-24), 81 percent wanted mental healthcare in the past year.

However, 56 percent of those youth were unable to access care.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), LGBTQ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than the general population. Research shows that low family satisfaction, cyberbullying victimization, and unmet medical needs contributed to their higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior. The Trevor Project found that the pandemic also contributed to mental health challenges: 60 percent of teens reported experiencing poor mental health sometimes or all the time since the pandemic began.

"We hope these data and trends will be used by fellow researchers, policymakers, and youth-serving organizations to advance policies and practices that better support LGBTQ youth around the globe and work to end the public health crisis of suicide."-Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director, The Trevor Project

LGBTQ International Suicide Rates

A review study published in JAMA Pediatrics looked at how many LGBTQ people die by suicide each year and what percentage of transgender people die by suicide. Compiling data from 35 previous studies, the analysis involved close to 2.4 million heterosexual youth and 113,468 LGBTQ youth, ages 12 to 20, from 10 countries. The results included the following LGBTQ teen suicide rates:

Globally. LGBTQ youth are 3.5 times as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers.

Rates of attempting suicide among trans teens are 5.87 times higher than the average among all teens.

Gay and lesbian youth are 3.71 times more likely to attempt suicide.

Bisexual youth are 3.69 times more likely to attempt suicide than teens who identified as heterosexual.

Why Are LGBTQ Teens Vulnerable to Suicide?

All teenagers are at risk for suicide. But LBGTQ youth suicide rates are higher because their risks are compounded. As The Trevor Project states, "LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society." Most profoundly, they experience rejection or lack of support from their family members much more often than their heterosexual peers. Nonbinary and transgender family rejection statistics are particularly striking: The 2023 survey found that less than 40 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth say they live in a gender-affirming home.

Moreover, stigma and threats of violence from peers and society at large further impact their mental health and well-being. The Trevor Project survey found that LGBTQ youth who experienced anti-LGBTQ victimization, including being physically threats or harm, discrimination, or conversion therapy, reported more than twice the rate of attempting suicide in the past year.

Hence, the feelings of isolation or "otherness" that often accompany adolescence are magnified for LGBTQ teens. These challenges can be particularly overwhelming for younger adolescents. One study of LGBTQ teen suicide rates found that one out of four suicides ( 24 percent) in adolescents age 12 to 14 were among LGBTQ youth. Researchers found that family problems most often contributed to suicides among younger teens.

"We already knew, or at least suspected, that younger people are especially vulnerable to the stress of coming out. This is because they don't have the psychological resources or personal independence to handle things themselves that they will have when they are older."
-2019 study author Geoffrey Ream of Adelphi University

What LGBTQ Youth Face in Schools and Society

In addition to difficulty at home, LGBTQ youth often face bullying, threats of injury, and sexual violence. The following data on LGBTQ teenagers comes from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey:

10 percent were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property

34 percent were bullied on school property

28 percent experienced cyberbullying

23 percent who had dated someone during the 12 months before the survey had experienced sexual dating violence

18 percent students had experienced physical dating violence

Another 18 percent had been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives.

As a result, LGBTQ students were 140 percent more likely than their heterosexual peers to skip school at least one day during the 30 days prior to the surveys.

Moreover, over the past year, anti-LGBTQ groups have been attacking the rights of trans youth to receive age-appropriate and medically necessary gender-affirming care, which has a significant negative impact on their mental health. And in a new poll, 3 out of 4 LGBTQ youth say that threats of violence against LGBTQ spaces, like community centers, pride events, drag shows, or hospitals/clinics that serve trans people, often give them stress or anxiety.

Schools and government policies can make a difference for LGBTQ youth. Youth living in states with anti-bullying laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity report less homophobic victimization and harassment. In addition, schools with Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs provide a more supportive environment for LGBTQ youth.

LGBTQ Youth and Substance Abuse

Statistics on substance abuse in LGBTQ youth show that they use alcohol and drugs at higher rates than their straight, cisgender peers. This is not surprising, given that substance abuse is typically a behavioral symptom of underlying depression, trauma, and anxiety. A Trevor Project research brief found that 47 percent of LGBTQ youth under age 21 use alcohol. Moreover, 29 percent of LGBTQ youth use marijuana. And 11 percent report using a prescription drug that was not prescribed to them.

Most significant, higher rates of substance abuse in this population were directly associated with LGBTQ teen suicide rates. Regular prescription drug misuse was associated with nearly three times greater odds of attempting suicide. Regular alcohol use was associated with nearly 50 percent higher likelihood of attempting suicide. And LGBTQ youth under age 21 who regularly used marijuana were nearly twice as likely (1.67 times) to attempt suicide.

What Parents Can Do to Counteract LGBTQ Youth Suicide Rates

Research has consistently shown that support from parents and peers leads to better mental health, greater self-acceptance, and enhanced well-being among LGBTQ youth. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ youth who feel high social support from their family attempt suicide at less than half the rate of those who feel low or moderate social support. Here's how to offer that all-important support.

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Stay tuned to what's going on in their life.

Parents of LGBTQ-IA teens need to stay involved, so they learn what their child's experience at school is like. Moreover, they need to watch for signs of bullying (including cyberbullying) or other discrimination at school. In addition, parents can get to know their teen's friends and romantic partners. This will help them offer guidance as their adolescent learns to build strong relationships outside the family.

Find resources to support suicide prevention in LGBTQ youth.

Organizations like the The Trevor Project offer resources and support, in person and online, for LGBTQ teenagers and their families. In addition, families can reach out to their doctor, a mental health professional, or a teen treatment center for advice and referrals. Parents need to be on the lookout for any signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health concerns. With early assessment and treatment, successful outcomes are likely. Therefore, LGBTQ teen suicide rates will hopefully start to trend downward.

Finally, parents of LGBTQ teens need to remind their children often that they are unconditionally loved, and they will always be there to support them. As with all teenagers, feeling accepted and loved will make a positive impact on their lives, now and into the future.

Culturally Competent and Gender-Responsive Treatment at Newport Academy

We understand the specific challenges that LGBTQ youth navigate as they come of age. Our treatment takes into account the unique needs of LGBTQ+ adolescents and provides them with tools for navigating the world, building self-worth, and forming strong relationships with peers, mentors, and their larger community.

Our clinical experts and care staff have expertise and experience in addressing the mental health challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face. Newport has partnered with the Trevor Project, the nation's foremost LGBTQ+ advocacy and research organization, to provide specialized training for our staff.

Newport Academy's Admissions experts and Clinical Outreach Specialists can help parents of LGBTQ teens get the support they need. Contact us today.

Sources

The Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2022
CDC Supplements. 2020 Aug; 69(1): 47-55.
J Adolesc Health. 2019 Jan.
JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(12):1145-1152.
Pediatrics. 2018 May;141(5).
Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2018;12:8.
Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2016 Mar 28; 12: 465-487.
Journal of GLBT Family Studies. 14(1-2):130-151.

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New Research on LGBTQ Teen Suicide Rates

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New research examines the high LGBTQ teen suicide ratess. Support from parents and peers can counteract these LGBTQ+ suicide statistics.

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Recognize the threat

Strive to create a supportive environment

Notify family or friends when there is a notion or threat

Notify referral services

Give client resources and/or hotlines for help (ASCA, 2018).

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ASCA School Counselor and Suicide Prevention Awareness

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Steps to Follow when client threatens Suicide

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Steps to Follow when client threatens Suicide

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Have open ended conversation not an interview with client

Do not have client fill out questions alone

Intent is to connect with client

Explain counselors obligations and the limitations to confidentiality in suicidal situations

Always consult with knowledgeable colleague

Avoid working in isolation

Involve supportive family members who are available to help ensure safety

Directly ask client access to means to attempt suicide

Discuss with client the people they are close to in their lives (ASCA, 2023).

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This is an example of a safety plan that can be used to assess a clients risk and to acquire contact information.

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While suicide is often associated with feelings of loneliness and isolation, it is a shared and far-reaching public health problem. As the tenth leading cause of death in the United States in 2019, suicide affects all ages and types of people. But thanks to an increase in awareness and resources, prevention efforts have become more common and effective.

Despite outdated misperceptions, suicide is neither a personal failure nor the evidence of mental illness, but rather a common human response to difficult environmental factors and emotional pain. Improving life circumstances, enhancing social connection and reducing emotional pain are the most effective ways to reduce the frequency and intensity of suicidal thoughts and feelings.

Mental health organizations around the country recognize National Suicide Prevention Week and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month during the month of September each year. However, working together to develop our collective understanding and awareness of suicide in order to prevent it is something we need to be doing every day. Talking to a counselor about any questions you have about how to help support others or how to get help for yourself is a great place to start.

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While suicide is often associated with feelings of loneliness and isolation, it is a shared and far-reaching public health problem. As the tenth leading cause of death in the United States in 2019, suicide affects all ages and types of people. But thanks to an increase in awareness and resources, prevention efforts have become more common and effective.

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If you are experiencing suicidal thinking/impulses, overwhelming depression, or another mental health crisis, or you need help with your mental health immediately, call 325-944-2561 Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm to get connected with someone today.

If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Are you in crisis or concerned about someone? Here are some available resources:

What to expect when you call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

You'll hear a brief message that you've reached the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

You'll hear music while the Lifeline directs your call to the crisis center nearest you

A local crisis center counselor will answer your call and help you

The counselor will offer you referrals for mental health services if needed

If you are worried that someone you know is considering suicide:

The situation is an emergency and immediate action is needed if any of these signs are present:

in the act of hurting or killing him or herself, has a weapon or other lethal means

threatening to hurt or kill him or herself

looking for ways to hurt or kill him or herself, talking about a plan to do so

talking about death or suicide and is acting anxious or agitated

talking about death or suicide and is intoxicated or "high" on drugs

If any of these are present:

Call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Don't leave the person alone.

Remove all lethal means (weapons, medications, etc.) from the vicinity

Take the person to a nearby Emergency Room or walk-in psychiatric crisis clinic

Do not put yourself in danger; if you are concerned about your own safety, call 911

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West Texas Counseling & Guidance is a non-profit agency providing basic outpatient mental health services to the citizens of San Angelo and the Concho Valley.

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Services for Friends and Families of loss from Suicide

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Services for Friends and Families of loss from Suicide

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Friends for Survival
http://www.friendsforsurvival.org
This organization is for suicide loss survivors and professionals who work with them. It produces a monthly newsletter and runs the Suicide Loss Helpline (1-800-646-7322). It also published Pathways to Purpose and Hope, a guide to building a community-based suicide survivor support program.

The four national suicide prevention organizations below have special sections of their websites containing a wide variety of resources for suicide loss survivors.
American Association of Suicidology American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline SAVE
https://save.org/what-we-do/grief-support/
https://save.org/find-help/coping-with-loss
https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/loss-survivors/
https://afsp.org/find-support/ive-lost-someone
https://www.suicidology.org/suicide-survivors/suicide-loss-survivors

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Friends for Survival http://www.friendsforsurvival.org This organization is for suicide loss survivors and professionals who work with them. It produces a monthly newsletter and runs the Suicide Loss Helpline (1-800-646-7322). It also published Pathways to Purpose and Hope, a guide to building a community-based suicide survivor support program.

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B.2.b. Confidentiality Regarding End-of-Life Decisions

C.2.e. Consultations on Ethical Obligations

(ACA, 2014)

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This can be used to determine the level of risk and if referral services are needed.