A national LGBTQ-youth organization has published the first findings from its longitudinal study on mental health. The report tracked more than 1,600 queer youth.
The interim report from the Trevor Project draws from the first year of data. Researchers collected data every six months to examine how specific experiences — things like harassment, threats and discrimination — shape mental health over time.
"It should be a wake-up call to everyone else though. What we saw is worsening mental health trends. We've seen LGBTQ+ youth report increasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicidality, says Kristina Sabetta is the executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Valley of the Sun Chapter. She says the findings show a worsening mental health trend.
"You know what? Honestly, nothing surprised us because we knew these youth were struggling," she said.
The study also found that supportive families, friends, and affirming environments improve mental health outcomes.
"So youth that feel affirmed in their identity, whether it's by family, schools, or community programs, we see that youth with that affirmation show lower rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm," Sabetta said.
The study period overlapped with a surge in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policies.
