Stark new data collected from LGBTQ+ youth reveals that the mental health crisis among this demographic in the United States is rapidly intensifying. According to a newly published analysis by The Trevor Project, psychological distress among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth has reached alarming new heights over the past year.

The findings track the first wave of data from an ongoing study, surveying 1,689 LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13 to 24) across the United States. Many youth are distressed by ongoing environmental pressures, which are driving a concurrent surge in mental health issues, substance use, and addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions About the LGBTQ+ Youth Crisis

Q: Are anxiety and depression rates increasing among LGBTQ+ youth?

A: Yes, the data shows a significant, measurable escalation in symptoms reported over the past 12 months. Among the participating youth, active symptoms of anxiety increased from 57% at the start of the study to 68% at the one-year follow-up. Rates of depression saw a similar upward climb from 48% to 54%.

In contrast, roughly 16 to 21% of young people in general experienced anxiety or depression in the past year in the general population. 

Q: How common are suicidal thoughts among LGBTQ+ young people right now?

A: Self-reported suicidal thoughts have risen at an alarming rate. Nearly half of all respondents (47%) reported experiencing suicidal thoughts at the one-year mark of the study, an increase from the 41% reported at the baseline survey.

Q: Are fears of threats like conversion therapy still impacting young people?

A: Yes, and exposure to these harmful practices is growing since they have been re-allowed by the government. The study captured a dramatic increase in hostile environments for LGBTQ youth, noting that the percentage of youth who reported being actively threatened with conversion therapy doubled over the course of the year, jumping from 11% to 22%.

Q: How does this mental health distress relate to addiction and substance use?

A: There is a documented correlation between toxic stress caused by discrimination and other minority issues and substance abuse. Studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicate that the odds of substance use for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are, on average, 190% higher than for their heterosexual peers. The risk soars up to 340% higher among bisexual youth. Substance use is a common coping skill for LGBTQI youth. 

Teens and young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ face up to ten times the odds of experiencing co-occurring depressive symptoms alongside addiction disorders compared to their heterosexual counterparts, with many describing it as a way to self-medicate to cope with trauma, isolation, and identity-based bullying. 

Q: Are LGBTQ+ youth willing to seek professional mental health support?

A: Yes, there is a hopeful upward trend in help-seeking behavior. The percentage of LGBTQ+ youth who actively turned to a mental health professional during a crisis doubled over the course of the study, skyrocketing from 32% at baseline to 64% at the one-year mark.

Many people, however, still do not have the access they need to either mental health or substance use treatment.  Or, they are afraid to ask their parents for help doing so, leaving them without vital care.

Q: What major barriers prevent LGBTQ+ youth from getting sustained healthcare?

A:  While many young people are willing to try to get help during emergencies, systemic roadblocks can prevent many from receiving regular, long-term support. A significant portion of youth continue to avoid or bypass medical care entirely, citing fears of social stigma, healthcare discrimination, and or costs of healthcare services. 

Young people may not be aware that they can turn to  LGBTQ+ specific support groups in Alcoholics Anonymous. Other peer resources are often available for young people seeking help for mental health issues and addiction. Many urban areas offer safe spaces for LGBTQ teens and young adults, and can refer young people who need help to therapy resources.

More education within the mental health community, free resources, and outreach to LGBTQ+ youth can make a huge difference in mental health outcomes.

Getting Help For Addiction

As Pride Month approaches, it’s important to remember that many young people may struggle with their identity or visibility, especially those from traditional, conservative homes. Inclusive spaces for LGBTQ people in addiction recovery help people from all backgrounds accept themselves and find a way to live life without the use of substances. 

If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction, speak to one of our compassionate consultants at 1-800-626-4014 to learn more about your options for treatment.