Trusted confidants linked to sharply lower suicide risk among LGBQ+ teenagers

Tulane University research finds that gay, lesbian and bisexual teenagers with someone to confide in report substantially lower rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Gay, bisexual and other sexual minority teenagers who have at least one trusted person to turn to about a serious problem appear to have markedly better mental health than those who do not, according to research from Tulane University published in JAMA Pediatrics. In the study, 61% of gay and lesbian teens without a trusted confidant said they had experienced depression in the previous year, compared with 35% of those who did. The gap was even wider for suicidal thoughts: 66% of gay and lesbian teens without someone to confide in said they had seriously considered suicide, versus 27% of those with at least one trusted person. Tulane said the findings point to the protective effect of supportive relationships for LGBQ+ young people.

Lead author Evan Krueger, an assistant professor in Tulane’s School of Social Work, said: “Across the board, having someone to talk to was linked to lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and having a suicide plan in the past year.But for many LGBQ+ youth, it made an even bigger difference.” The research drew on a national survey of adolescents aged 12 to 17 and looked at both mental health outcomes and the kinds of people teenagers say they would approach when facing a serious issue.

The study also found that support networks differ by sexual identity. About eight in 10 heterosexual teenagers said they would turn to a parent, compared with roughly six in 10 gay, lesbian and bisexual teenagers, according to the Tulane report. LGBQ+ teens were more likely to name friends, romantic partners and other adults, and often relied on more than one person. Krueger said that pattern suggests many young people are finding help outside the home when they do not feel able to turn to parents.

The researchers said supportive school staff may help close that gap. Previous studies have linked teachers, counsellors and other adults in schools with lower suicide risk among LGBQ+ youth, and experts have also tied recent improvements in teen mental health to school-based efforts that connect students with support, according to Tulane’s account of the findings and related CDC data. The authors said friends alone may not fully replace a steady, supportive adult, and that families, schools and communities all have a role in making sure vulnerable teenagers are not left to cope alone.