LGBTQ+ youth report high rates of mental health challenges in Ga., S.C.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - In Georgia and South Carolina, the reported rates of mental health challenges and physical harm among our LGBTQ+ youth are considerably higher than any other states in the country, over the past year, according to a recent survey.
The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, published the 2022-2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, showing continued high rates of challenges and suicide risk.
Georgia, 2022:
- considered suicide - 46% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 55% of transgender and nonbinary youth.
- attempted suicide - 14% of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide in the past year, including 16% of transgender and nonbinary youth.
- physical violence - 34% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have been physically threatened or harmed based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- discrimination - 73% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- recent politics - 86% of LGBTQ youth reported that recent politics negatively impacted their well-being sometimes or a lot.
South Carolina, 2022:
- considered suicide - 50% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 58% of transgender and nonbinary youth.
- attempted suicide - 16% of LGBTQ youth attempted suicide in the past year, including 21% of transgender and nonbinary youth.
- physical violence - 43% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have been physically threatened or harmed based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- discrimination - 73% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- recent politics - 89% of LGBTQ youth reported that recent politics negatively impacted their well-being sometimes or a lot.
In 2023, across the four major regions of the country, LGBTQ young people from the South and Midwest predominantly reported higher rates of suicide risk and anti-LGBTQ victimization compared to those from the Northeast and West.
South:
- considered suicide in the past year - 43%
- attempted suicide in the past year - 15%
Resources
The team at Everyday Health is solving for this, and has created a guide to the online therapy platforms best suited for LGBTQ+ people of different backgrounds and identities.
While it may not be the answer for everyone, online therapy is an accessible option that LGBTQ people of all ages can explore, however it can often be overwhelming and challenging to find the right fit as an LGBTQ person.
Augusta University Health offers a list of resources, local, statewide and national for LGBTQ+ people in the area.
Copyright 2023 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
