One trusted person may sharply lower suicide risk for LGBQ+ teenagers

A Tulane University study finds that gay, lesbian and bisexual teenagers with someone they can confide in report substantially lower levels of depression and suicidal thinking.

A new Tulane University study suggests that for teenagers who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual, simply having one trustworthy person to lean on can make a striking difference to mental health.

Drawing on a national survey of 12- to 17-year-olds, the research found that gay and lesbian teens without a trusted person were far more likely to report depression and suicidal thoughts than those who had someone to confide in. Among gay and lesbian respondents, 61% of those without that support said they had experienced depression in the previous year, compared with 35% of those who did. The difference was even sharper on suicide risk: 66% of those without a trusted person said they had seriously considered suicide, versus 27% among those with one. Lead author Evan Krueger, an assistant professor at Tulane University’s School of Social Work, said the pattern was consistent across measures of risk and was especially pronounced for LGBQ+ youth.

The study also points to a gap in where adolescents look for help. Roughly eight in 10 heterosexual teenagers said they would turn to a parent when facing a serious problem, while about six in 10 gay, lesbian and bisexual teens said the same. Krueger said sexual minority teenagers are more likely to face stigma, discrimination and bullying, and that many do not feel they can rely on parents in the same way as their heterosexual peers. Instead, they more often turn to friends, romantic partners and other adults, often building support from several different people rather than depending on one source.

That finding fits with earlier research showing that the quality of support matters, not just the presence of it. Studies published in journals including JAMA Pediatrics and LGBT Health have found that stronger family support is linked with lower levels of depression, hopelessness, anxiety and suicidal thinking among LGBTQ+ adolescents. Research on transgender and nonbinary young people has also found that access to gender-affirming care is associated with better mental health outcomes. Together, the evidence suggests that stable, affirming relationships at home, in school and in the wider community can be protective.

The Tulane researchers argue that schools may be especially important when home support is limited. Previous studies have linked supportive teachers, counsellors and other staff with lower suicide risk among LGBQ+ youth, and experts have credited some recent improvement in teen mental health to school-based efforts that connect students with help. Krueger said supportive relationships benefit all young people, but may also help reduce long-standing mental health gaps for sexual minority teens by making sure they do not face serious problems alone.