In a meta-analysis of studies focused on the mental health and behavior of the LGB population over the past 40 years, studies reveal LGB people are at an increased risk of mental disorder, suicidal ideation, substance abuse and deliberate self-harm.
There are several factors putting the LGB at a greater risk of suicide:
- “The risk for depression and anxiety disorders (over a period of 12 months or a lifetime) …were at least 1.5 times higher in lesbian, gay and bisexual people.”
- Alcohol and other substance dependence over a 12 month period was also 1.5 times higher than that of heterosexual counterparts
- These “lifestyle factors such as alcohol and drugs misuse also increase the risk of morbidity as well as suicide attempts.”
- Prevalence of anxiety in LGB is 1.5 time that of heterosexuals
- “LGB people are subject to institutionalized prejudice, social stress, social exclusion (even within families) and anti-homosexual hatred violence and often an internalized sense of shame about their sexuality.”
Gay and bisexual men attempt suicide at 4 times the rate of heterosexuals over their lifetime.
(from King et al., 2008)
- LGBT youth are up to 7 times more likely to report a prior suicide attempt than their heterosexual counterparts
- “Risk and protective factors help explain suicidal behavior….” “LGB youth generally have more risk factors, more severe risk factors, and fewer protective factors than heterosexual youth”
- “Stigma and discrimination are directly tied to risk factors for suicide
- “For example, discrimination has a strong association with mental illness, and heterosexism may lead to isolation, family rejection, and lack of access to culturally competent care.”
- One of the most powerful protective factors is to connect GLBT “youth with supportive adults and reducing risk, such as preventing violence and harassment.”
- Suicidal Ideation which is defined as “self-reported thoughts of engaging in suicide-related behavior” (p.17) …is “often used as an indicator of suicide risk in studies, based on the fact that many people who seriously consider suicide go on to attempt or die by suicide.”
- “National Comorbidity Survey reported that 13.5 percent of the U.S. population (all gender identities and sexual orientations) ages 15-54 responded ‘yes’ to the question ‘Have you seriously thought about committing suicide?’”
- “Cochran and Mays (2000) found that 41.2% of gay men ages 17-39 reported suicidal ideation, compared to only 17.2% of heterosexual men of similar ages.”
Planned 2009 LGBTQ Suicide Summit (Chicago – August 14-18)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (summary of 2007 conference)
Trevor Project
GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning) Resources
The Trevor Helpline This is a national 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention hotline aimed at gay and questioning youth. Calls are handled by highly trained counselors and are free and confidential. www.thetrevorproject.org
The Attic (215-545-4331) is the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered youth center in the Philadelphia area. It provides a safe space for social activities and interaction for queer youth, as well as sexual education, counseling, support, psychological services, and crisis intervention. www.atticyouthcenter.org
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) National Hotline, a program of the www.GLBTNationalHelpCenter.org - Toll-free hotline: 1-888-843-4564
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, is working to ensure safe and effective schools for all students. Their website includes information about the Philadelphia Chapter. www.glsen.org
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) National Hotline Youth Talkline, a program of the GLBT National Help Center - www.YouthTalkline.org - Toll-free hotline: 1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743).
(http://www.feelingblue.org/resources#glbtq)
(from SPRC)