Having someone to talk to linked to better mental health for LGBQ+ teens

A new study from Tulane University reveals that having someone to talk to significantly improves mental health for LGBQ+ teens, compared to those without a trusted confidant. Among gay and lesbian teenagers, 61% of those without a trusted person experienced depression in the past year, while 35% of those with a trusted person did. The gap was even wider for suicidal thoughts, with 66% of gay and lesbian teens without a trusted person considering suicide, compared to 27% of those with a trusted person.

Lead author Evan Krueger, an assistant professor at Tulane University School of Social Work, emphasizes that having someone to talk to was linked to lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide plans in the past year. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, surveyed adolescents ages 12 to 17 in the United States. The research team also examined who teenagers turn to for help and explored differences among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority teens.

Approximately 80% of heterosexual teens say they would turn to a parent for help, compared to about 60% of gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens. Krueger notes that teenagers already face significant stressors, including stigma, discrimination, and bullying. For LGBQ+ youth, parents are less likely to be the first point of contact when facing a serious problem. Instead, LGBQ+ teens more often turn to friends, romantic partners, and other adults, and are more likely to rely on multiple sources for support.

Although previous research shows that supportive school personnel significantly reduce suicide risk among LGBQ+ youth, the study highlights the importance of finding ways to facilitate meaningful, supportive relationships. Schools, families, and communities all play a crucial role in ensuring no teen faces a serious problem alone. By strengthening supportive relationships, disparities in mental health outcomes for LGBQ+ youth may be reduced.