The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health demonstrates that rates of suicidal thoughts have trended upward among LGBTQ young people over the last three years. The research examined LGBTQ teen suicide rates and protective factors among some 34,000 LGBTQ youth (ages 13 - 24) across the United States, with 45% of respondents being LGBTQ youth of color and 48% being transgender or nonbinary.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey revealed 45% of LGBTQ youth (ages 13-24) seriously considered suicide in the past year (Figure 1) and 14% of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide in the past year. Alarmingly, 50% of LGBTQ youth aged 13-17 seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year and 18% attempted suicide in the past year. LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.

Additionally, 73% of LGBTQ youth (ages 13-24) reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and 58% reported experiencing symptoms of depression (Figure 1). Although the data continue to show high rates of mental health and suicide risk among LGBTQ young people, it is crucial to note that these rates vary widely based on the way LGBTQ youth are treated.

Despite the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicide risk among LGBTQ youth, a majority could not access the mental health care they desired. Among all LGBTQ youth, 82% wanted mental health care and 18% did not. Some reported reasoning for those youth who wanted mental health care but were unable to get it included; fear of discussing mental health concerns, Concerns with obtaining parent/caregiver permission, fear of not being taken seriously, lack of affordability, fear of care not working, fear of being outed Fear of my identity being misunderstood, concerns with receiving virtual care at home, lack of transportation options, and lack of parent/caregiver permission

>> The Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2022

Reference: The Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2022. (2022).

Where to find support? Here are some helplines and resources for support.

• If you are an LGBTQ young person in crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, you can contact The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors 24/7 at 866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting START to 678-678.
• Call a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration National Helpline at 800-662-4357.
• Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741-741.
• If you’re at immediate risk: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional. Consider calling 911 or your local emergency number if you can’t get in touch with them.