Addressing the Alarming Reality of LGBTQIA+ Suicide Rates
Two in five members of the LGBTQIA+ community have seriously considered suicide.
LGBTQIA+ suicide prevention organization The Trevor Project has released the results from its 2023 US National Survey. The results are staggering. 28,000 LGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of 13 and 24 were surveyed.
45% of respondents saying they’ve seriously considered suicide. It’s clear there’s still a massive amount of work needed with regards to mental health in the LGBTQIA+ community. This is, however, a slight decrease in results from 2022.
But what can we do to continue lowering this number?
Understanding the Statistics: LGBTQIA+ Suicide Rates in Context
While the decline in suicidal ideation is down from the previous year (which was 45%), there are other findings that are shocking:
- Rates of considering or attempting suicide were up in the age group from 13 to 17
- Two thirds of LGBTQIA+ youth experience anxiety, with over half experiencing depression
- Nearly one third of those surveyed said their mental health was poor “most of the time or always” due to anti-LGBTQIA+ policies being enacted across the US
- Two thirds saying the bans made their mental health “a lot worse”
Building a More Inclusive Society: Steps Toward a Safer Future
Kasey Suffredini, The Trevor Project’s Vice President, called the attack on LGBTQIA+ youth a preventable public health crisis.
“Our government must work from the top down to curb risk factors like violence and discrimination and increase access to essential health care, safe schools and support systems,” Suffredini said.
Thankfully, organizations and legislators are working diligently to try and continue to make safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ community members.
“As the existence of LGBTQ young people continues to be unfairly put up for debate, it’s critical to consistently underscore that these challenges are not inherent to LGBTQ identity,” said Dr Ronita Nath, President of the Trevor Foundation.
The Role of Support Networks in Preventing Suicide
Thankfully, there are resources available to those who are in the LGBTQIA+ community and struggling with mental health.
Suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, here is a list of places where you can get help immediately.
- The Trevor Project (chat, call, or text)
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (chat, call, or text)
- Teen Line (chat, call, text, or email)
- Give Us The Floor (chat)
