June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate friends, family, and others who identify as LGBTQ+. While there are parades and parties, it’s critical to remember the mental health of the people in this community. Mental health challenges are more common among them.
The Trevor Project is a worldwide resource for people in the LGBTQ community. They dedicate their work to helping the LGBTQ community overcome anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that can come with identifying as LGBTQ+. Here are some sobering statistics.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk.
- LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
- The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. – at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.
- The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.
Importance of Your Voice
While these statistics are sad, there are actions to take to help people who identify with the LGBTQ community and their mental health.
- Support and acceptance from others. Even if there is one accepting person in their life, suicide attempts decrease by 40%.
- Affirming activities and spaces at Work and School. While in these kinds of environments, they have higher self-esteem.
- Respecting Pronouns. “People who are trans or non binary, if they have their pronouns respected they are half as likely to commit suicide as those who don’t have their pronouns respected.” (Abigail Maher LMHC)
Kindness Goes A Long Way
With all these statistics and thoughts in mind, never forget the importance and impact of kindness. A smile, a wave, or a compliment can completely change someone’s life!
Resources for members of the LGBTQ community are available. Your mental health matters and you are valued.