#LGBTQ+ #youthofcolor were more likely to report #suicidalideation and attempt than their white peers.
By Kristi Pahr
Rates of #suicidalthoughts in #LGBTQ #youth have increased over the last three years, according to a report from advocacy group The #TrevorProject. The fourth annual National Survey on #LGBTQ #Youth #MentalHealth compiled data from close to 34,000 #LGBTQ people aged 13 to 24 to assess the state of #mentalhealth within the community, and the results are sobering.
According to the report – in which 45% of respondents reported being #LGBTQ #youthofcolor and 48% #transgender or #nonbinary, making it the most diverse survey yet – 45% of #LGBTQ #youth considered #suicide in the last year, and nearly 20% of #transgender and #nonbinary #youth attempted #suicide. #LGBTQ #youthofcolor were more likely to report #suicidalideation and attempt than their white peers.
It is not surprising that #LGBTQ #mentalhealth, particularly that of young people, is in decline. This year alone, hundreds of anti-#LGBTQ and specifically anti-trans bills have already been introduced in states across the country, leaving #kids and young people feeling attacked, alone, and unsure of where to go when they need help.
“The impacts of the #COVID-19 #pandemic and record wave of anti-#LGBTQ legislation cannot be understated, as they continue to negatively impact #LGBTQ youth’s #mentalhealth. Anti-#LGBTQ bills are at an all-time high this year, with more than 300 being filed in 2022 alone, most of which specifically target #transgender and #nonbinary #youth,” Dr. Myeshia Price, a senior researcher at The #TrevorProject, told Fatherly. “#Transgender and #nonbinary #youth, who already report the highest rates of #anxiety and #depression symptoms, are worried about anti-#transgender legislation: 93% said they have worried about #trans people being denied access to gender-affirming medical care, 91% worried about #trans people being denied access to the bathroom, and 83% said they worried about #trans people being denied the ability to play sports.”
However, survey participants who felt supported by their families were more than 50% less likely to attempt #suicide than those who did not feel supported. “Especially in light of the wave of anti-#LGBTQ laws we’ve been witnessing across the country, #parents should make sure that they are affirming their children’s #LGBTQ identities,” Price said. “The most common supportive actions taken by #parents or caregivers included being welcoming to their #LGBTQ friends or partners, talking with them respectfully about their #LGBTQ identity, using their names and pronouns correctly, supporting their gender expression, and educating themselves about #LGBTQ people and issues.”
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
The survey also found that 60% of #LGBTQ #youth who needed #mentalhealthcare did not receive it. “The top four barriers to care reported by #youth were fears around discussing #mentalhealth, concerns with parental permission, fears of not being taken seriously, and lack of affordability,” said Price. “Many #LGBTQ #youthofcolor, specifically, expressed concern that providers would not understand their culture. #Parents and #caregivers can openly discuss these issues with the young people in their lives to help destigmatize them and eliminate the fear that is often associated with these types of conversations.”
It’s important to note that #LGBTQ #youth are not more prone to #suicidalideation or attempts because of their #genderidentity or #sexualorientation, Price explained. Rather, they are “placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. With this in mind, we encourage all #parents to treat all #LGBTQ #youth in their lives with dignity and respect – because affirming them for who they are can be life-saving.”
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
