Young adults have been hit harder than any other age group by the psychological, political, economic, and social repercussions of the last two years. Within this demographic, young people who identify as LGBTQ+ have been even more drastically impacted. A new Trevor Project survey on LGBTQ+ youth mental health found that 66 percent of LGBTQ+ young adults are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, and 53 percent are suffering from depression. For transgender and nonbinary youth, LGBTQ+ depression rates are even higher.
These troubling statistics illuminate the struggles LGBTQ+ young adults face and the pressing need for social change to support these demographics. This includes those with intersectional identities that encompass more than one marginalized identity or group—such as Asian American/Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, or multiracial LGBTQ+ youth. LGBTQ+ young adults need tools for resilience and well-being more than ever before.
New Research on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
The Trevor Project’s 2024 survey of more than 18,000 young people provides a window into LGBTQ+ youth mental health and LGBTQ+ youth suicide rates. Here is a sampling of the findings:
- 39 percent of LGBTQ+ young people considered suicide during the past year, and more than 1 in 10 made an attempted suicide.
- 24 percent of Native/Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth and 14 percent of Black LGBTQ+ youth made a suicide attempt in the past year.
- 60 percent of LGBTQ+ youth have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- 61 percent of trans youth who were on gender-affirming hormones reported being somewhat or very concerned about losing access to this care.
- 84 percent of LGBTQ+ youth wanted mental healthcare during the past year, but 50 percent were unable to access any services.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health in Minnesota
In Minnesota, we are seeing similar statistics locally, indicating a great need for mental health support for LGBTQ+ people throughout the state. In the most recent Minnesota Student Survey, high school students who identify as LGBTQ+ showed a 28 percent higher rate of emotional distress when compared to cisgender, homosexual students.
According to the most recent Voices of Health Survey by Rainbow Health, LGBTQ+ Minnesotans are experiencing high rates of mental distress because of COVID-19, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, financial stress, or a combination of factors. Six out of seven respondents were experiencing moderate to severe mental health distress at the time of the survey. Meanwhile, only 15 percent said they had minimal to no mental health challenges. Rainbow Health also found similar rates of moderate to severe mental distress for people who identified as white (84 percent) and BIPOC (86 percent).
Moreover, in the Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health (Minnesota), 67 percent of youth reported that Minnesota is somewhat to very accepting, with high support coming from friends (75 percent) vs. their family (22 percent). The survey found that “safe place” signs, seeing other LGBTQ+ people, and interacting with open-minded people contributed to affirming and safe spaces.
Why Do LGBTQ Youth Have Higher Rates of Mental Health Conditions and Suicide Risk?
It’s important to understand that a young adult’s sexuality and mental health are not directly related. LGBTQ+ youth’s mental health suffers not because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in itself. Instead, they face higher risk due to being mistreated and stigmatized in society, as well as by family.
Between 20 and 45 percent of the homeless youth in the United States identify as LGBTQ+, and most have left home or been kicked out due to family rejection. And nearly 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ young people report that they have been physically threatened or harmed in the past year due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to the Trevor Project survey. Moreover, the survey found 90 percent of LGBTQ+ young people said their well-being was negatively impacted due to politics, with over half saying they were negatively impacted by politics a lot.
LGBTQ Substance Abuse Statistics
Not surprisingly, these LGBTQ+ youth mental health statistics are reflected in rates of substance abuse among LGBTQ+ young adults. Studies show that this demographic, particularly women, are at greater risk for alcohol and substance use disorders due to the intensified stressors they face.
Recent research using data from the CDC and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) shows that rates of alcohol use among LGBTQ+ young adults (ages 18–25) are 18 percent higher than their peers. Rates of marijuana use are 59 percent higher. Moreover, lifetime usage of harder drugs—including cocaine, meth, ecstasy, and heroin—is two to three times higher among LGBTQ+ young adults.
Most significantly, higher rates of substance abuse in this population are directly associated with higher LGBTQ+ suicide rates. Regular prescription drug misuse was associated with nearly three times greater odds of attempting suicide. Regular alcohol use was associated with almost 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.
Resources to Support Mental Health in LGBTQ Youth
These four resources are essential in supporting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ young adults.
Support from family
Parental acceptance and affirmation are the most important predictors of LGBTQ+ mental health. When they are deprived of that acceptance, young adults suffer from the tragic consequences of relational trauma. One study found that LGBTQ+ young adults who experienced high levels of family rejection during adolescence were nearly six times as likely to be depressed and three times more likely to use illegal drugs. Trevor Project research shows that LGBTQ+ youth who feel high social support from family attempt suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support.
Self-compassion
It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly effective. Research shows that self-compassion and self-empowerment are essential resources for personal happiness—and can even help overcome a lack of parental acceptance. Therefore, Mindfulness and positive affirmation practices that build empathy and acceptance for oneself are powerful resources for LGBTQ+ youth’s mental health.
Supportive communities
Connection is vital for LGBTQ+ young adults. A review of 34 studies on LGBTQ+ youth mental health found that community groups and GSAs (Gay-Straight Alliance groups) provided an all-important “sense of solidarity and friendship in the face of isolation.” Feeling connected with the LGBTQ+ community can even protect young people from the negative outcomes of prejudice, one study found. In addition, caring adults and positive peer connections also serve as invaluable resources.
Self-care
Building healthy habits and routines can take effort, but once these practices are established, they will continue supporting young adults throughout life. Self-care includes attending to physical health and mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational well-being—whether that means making a gratitude list or savoring the beauty of the ocean or a gorgeous sunset. It can also include seeking the support of a mental healthcare professional if you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts rather than trying to tough it out on your own.
Despite their challenges, developing and drawing on these resources can help LGBTQ+ young adults fully embrace who they are and find a path forward to flourishing. Our helpful tips for parents and supportive figures can also help you learn how to support transgender youth.
Culturally Competent and Gender-Responsive Treatment at PrairieCare
We understand the specific challenges that transgender and gender-nonconforming young people navigate as they come of age. Our treatment considers the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth and provides them with tools for navigating the world, building self-worth, and forming strong relationships with peers, mentors, and their community.
Our clinical experts and care staff have expertise and experience in addressing the mental health challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face. As a division of Newport Healthcare, PrairieCare partners with the Trevor Project, the nation’s foremost LGBTQ+ advocacy and research organization, to provide specialized training for our staff. Learn how we champion LGBTQIA+ mental health treatment in our 10 FAQs about PrairieCare.
Interested in Starting Therapy? Contact Our Team.
Starting therapy for the first time or even returning after some time can be intimidating. That’s why we offer a no-cost mental health screening with no strings attached. Our experts will guide you through the process and help you access the mental health care option that fits your life.
Those seeking care can call our team at 952-826-8475 any day or time to learn more about services, access a mental health screening, and start the admissions process. You can also fill out a request form, and within one business day, a specialist from our team will contact you or your loved one to complete a screening.
About PrairieCare
At PrairieCare, we believe that mental illness is real, common, and treatable. We provide individuals of all ages with the psychiatric care they truly need. PrairieCare is one of the nation’s largest providers of premier psychiatric services to the Twin Cities metro area, Rochester, and Mankato. Our programs and services span the full continuum of care, with the understanding that each patient has unique experiences, life stages, and needs.
Whether a child is experiencing anxiety in school, a new parent needs perinatal psychiatric services, or a teenager needs support for an eating disorder, our clinicians are accredited and highly experienced in supporting patients of all ages with a wide variety of diagnoses.