Trevor Project study reveals deepening mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ youth in United States
– 2 min read
The Trevor Project has published its first-ever long-term study tracking the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth in the United States, uncovering a marked deterioration in wellbeing across the community. The study, which followed 1,689 individuals aged 13 to 24 over a year, found significant increases in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
The research, part of the organisation’s Project SPARK initiative, surveyed participants three times over 12 months. Findings showed that: anxiety symptoms rose from 57% to 68%; depression symptoms increased from 48% to 54%; suicidal thoughts climbed from 41% to 47%.
Dr Ronita Nath, Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project, described the results as “deeply saddening and distressing,” noting that the magnitude of the increase was so stark that the data was repeatedly verified. “This study confirms what many in the field have long suspected - that mistreatment, stigma, and lack of support are driving the mental health crisis among LGBTQ youth,” she said.
One of the most alarming trends was the doubling of reported threats of conversion therapy, rising from 11% to 22%, with actual exposure increasing from 9% to 15%. Despite widespread condemnation of the practice by mental health professionals, the data suggests it remains a persistent and growing threat.
Mistreatment, stigma, and lack of support are driving the mental health crisis among LGBTQ youth
Trans and nonbinary youth were found to be particularly vulnerable, with significantly higher rates of anxiety and suicidal ideation compared to their cisgender peers. However, the study also highlighted protective factors: access to gender-affirming care and accurate identification documents were linked to improved mental health outcomes.
Encouragingly, the study noted a rise in help-seeking behaviour. The proportion of youth reaching out to mental health professionals during crises doubled from 32% to 64%, and those turning to friends for support increased from 45% to 73%.
Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, urged policymakers and community leaders to take the findings seriously. “This study provides unequivocal evidence that the way LGBTQ+ youth are treated in this country is harming their health and risking their lives,” Black said. “We must act now to ensure their safety and wellbeing”.
The Trevor Project plans to continue tracking participants to better understand the evolving needs of LGBTQ+ youth and inform future interventions. The full report is available on The Trevor Project’s website.
