The Trevor Project’s 50-State Report Highlights Urgent Mental Health Challenges for LGBTQ+ Youth
The Trevor Project has released its comprehensive 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, providing an in-depth look at the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. This report underscores the significant disparities in mental health outcomes and access to care for LGBTQ+ youth, emphasizing the urgent need for supportive policies and resources.
Barriers to Mental Health Care in NH
Access to mental health care remains a significant issue. Approximately 47% of LGBTQ+ youth in New Hampshire who desired mental health care were unable to access it. The primary barriers included fear of not being taken seriously (44%), inability to afford care (39%), and concerns about discussing mental health issues with others (33%).
Impact of Discrimination in NH
The survey highlights the detrimental effects of discrimination and political climate on LGBTQ+ youth. In New Hampshire, 65% of LGBTQ+ young people experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past year. Furthermore, 55% reported that recent politics negatively impacted their well-being.
Notably, 31% of LGBTQ+ youth in the state have considered leaving New Hampshire due to LGBTQ+-related politics and laws
State-Specific Insights:
California: 35% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide, and 11% attempted suicide in the past year. Half of those seeking mental health care could not access it.
Florida: 37% seriously considered suicide, with 11% attempting it. A staggering 92% reported that recent politics negatively impacted their well-being.
Maine: 38% seriously considered suicide, and 13% attempted it. Additionally, 87% felt that recent politics adversely affected their well-being.+
Key Findings:
High Rates of Suicidal Ideation and Attempts: Nationally, 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year, with 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth reporting such thoughts. Additionally, 12% of LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide during the same period.
Barriers to Mental Health Care: Half of LGBTQ+ young people who desired mental health care were unable to access it. Barriers included cost, fear of not being taken seriously, and concerns about discussing mental health issues with others.
Impact of Politics and Discrimination: A significant 90% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that recent politics negatively impacted their well-being. Furthermore, in all but two states, more than half of LGBTQ+ youth experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Bullying and Community Acceptance: Nearly half (49%) of LGBTQ+ youth aged 13–17 reported being bullied in the past year. Those living in very accepting communities had less than half the rate of suicide attempts compared to those in unaccepting environments.
Call to Action:
Dr. Ronita Nath, Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project, emphasized the gravity of these findings: "Many of these state findings are grim, and they signal serious gaps in resources and outsized mental health challenges for already marginalized youth that we simply must address." axios.com+2thetrevorproject.org+2thetrevorproject.org+2
The report serves as a crucial resource for policymakers, educators, and community leaders to understand and address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. By fostering supportive environments, ensuring access to mental health care, and implementing inclusive policies, we can work towards a future where all LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, accepted, and valued.
For more detailed information and to access the full report, visit The Trevor Project’s official website: The Trevor Project’s 50-State Report
If you or someone you know is struggling, The Trevor Project offers 24/7 support through the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386, TrevorText by texting START to 678-678, and TrevorChat at www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help.