LGBTQ+ young people face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts — not because of who they are, but because of the rejection, bullying, and discrimination too many of them encounter at home, at school, and in their communities. We also know what helps: acceptance, connection, and caring adults who show up. To mark LGBTQ+ History Month, The JED Foundation (JED)’s chief medical officer, Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, reflects on what’s driving these disparities and what you can do to be a supportive presence for the LGBTQ+ young people in your life.

JED: What are some of the biggest factors contributing to the higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts that LGBTQ+ youth experience?

Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth: LGBTQ+ young people are at higher risk of poor mental health and suicide attempts, not because of their identities, but because of the difficulties they face growing up. These can include being rejected by close family members, bullied in school, and/or ostracized in their communities. 

In The Trevor Project’s 2025 survey of LGBTQ+ students ages 13-24, more than 45% reported experiencing discrimination in the past year based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 72% reported encountering derogatory language about their identities. Transgender youth face additional hurdles, including difficulty accessing supportive mental and physical healthcare. 

The good thing is that we know what helps LGBTQ+ youth to thrive — support from their families, schools, and communities. Research shows that family acceptance is correlated with higher self-esteem and lower rates of depression, substance misuse, and suicidality. LGBTQ+ young people who live in very accepting communities attempt suicide at a third the rate of those in very unaccepting communities. Those with access to spaces that support their identities are less likely to attempt suicide. 

No matter who you are, you can be part of supporting LGBTQ+ young people in your community. 

JED: How do stigma, discrimination, and lack of acceptance impact a young person’s mental health over time?

Dr. Erickson-Schroth: A young person who experiences one instance of discrimination, but otherwise has support from their family, school, and community, will likely be able to weather it. However, LGBTQ+ young people often report years of difficulties in multiple aspects of their lives. 

Forty-eight percent of LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-17 report in-person bullying over the last year, and 36% report being bullied online. This type of relentless targeting takes a toll. LGBTQ+ young people who reported bullying were three times more likely to report attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who didn’t report bullying. 

Chronic stress doesn’t just come from individual experiences; it’s also related to the larger landscape in our communities and country. Up to 90% of LGBTQ+ youth say they’ve been stressed or experienced mental health concerns related to recent laws, policies, and debate around LGBTQ+ rights. 

That’s why it’s important to build communities of care at every level. Schools, youth-serving organizations, religious groups, and others can help to ensure that every young person has a place they feel connected to a supportive adult. 

JED: If a young person is showing signs that they’re struggling, what’s the most helpful first response?

Dr. Erickson-Schroth: If you’re worried about a young person in your life, the most important thing to do is talk with them. You don’t have to have all the answers; you just need to show them you care. They may not want to talk right away, so let them know you’re available anytime they want to connect. 

There are a number of organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, and you may want to make sure the young person in your life knows about them. The Trevor Project has trained counselors ready to assist young people 24/7. They can call 866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or go online to chat. CenterLink’s website lists local LGBTQ+ centers around the country. 

If you want to learn more about LGBTQ+ topics so you can be a resource for young people in your community, a great place to start is PFLAG, a national nonprofit that organizes groups and conversations for families and friends of LGBTQ+ people. 

JED: How do you see social media shaping the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth today?

Dr. Erickson-Schroth: For LGBTQ+ young people, social media has benefits and drawbacks. Many LGBTQ+ youth find communities and sources of connection online, especially those who live in rural areas or places where it’s harder to find other people who share their identities. Knowing you’re not alone can improve mental health and well-being and enhance a sense of belonging. Social media platforms can also be places for young people to explore their identities and learn about new ideas, groups, and events.

On the other hand, social media use can lead to doomscrolling and comparing yourself to others. Some LGBTQ+ youth experience cyberbullying, and many report feeling negatively after seeing news about LGBTQ+ issues on social media platforms. Spending long periods of time online, especially when it disrupts school or work, eating, exercising, or sleep, can be harmful.

If you’re supporting a young person who’s struggling with their social media use, the most important thing is to help them to get in touch with how they feel when they use it in different ways and to make choices about their use based on those feelings.

JED: How has the trajectory of LGBTQ+ youth mental health changed over time, and what resources have since become available?

Dr. Erickson-Schroth: There are a lot of ways that support has improved for LGBTQ+ youth over time. There are more laws and policies in place to protect their rights than there were decades ago, and communities have become more accepting of gay and lesbian people. There are also many caring adults and mental health providers who have expertise in supporting LGBTQ+ youth’s unique needs.

There has been some backsliding in recent years. Support for same sex marriage is down and 50% of transgender youth live in states that have restricted or banned access to gender-affirming care. In Glisten’s latest National School Climate Survey, two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth reported feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

But today there are also many more local and national resources for LGBTQ+ youth, ranging from local LGBTQ+ centers to Gender and Sexuality Alliances in schools, to online communities of support like The Trevor Project.

JED: What gives you hope for the future of the LGBTQ+ youth community?

Dr. Erickson-Schroth: Despite the odds, many LGBTQ+ young people are energetic and excited to contribute to the world. They find ways to be there for each other and lean on the history of resilience in LGBTQ+ communities. 

It’s also heartening to see so many adults who care deeply about the young people in their lives learning about LGBTQ+ issues and how they can support them. It’s never too late to be the adult a young person needs. 

Related Links

• How to find a queer-friendly or gender affirming therapist
• Where to find LGBTQ+ support when you can’t find therapy
• Suicide in the LGBTQ+ community: What you need to know