LGBTI young people 'three times more likely to attempt suicide'
LGBTI young people are three times more likely to attempt suicide and twice as likely to self-harm, compared to a similar age group, according to a recent survey.
They are also four times more likely to experience stress, anxiety and depression, it was found.
Some 2,200 people took part in an online survey carred out by the Gay and Lesbian Network, GLEN.
Odhran Allen, director of mental health at GLEN, says the report shows widespread misunderstanding towards this group of people.
“Some of the findings of The LGBTIreland Report are harrowing, showing higher levels of self-harm and suicidal behaviour among LGBTI teenagers as well as worrying levels of severe and extremely severe stress, anxiety and depression," he said.
“Being LGBTI in itself doesn’t increase the risk of poor mental health. It’s the experience of being bullied, being rejected or being harassed because you are LGBTI that leads to higher levels of self-harm and attempted suicide.
“Compared to the My World National Youth Mental Health Study, LGBTI young people in this study had two times the level of self-harm; three times the level of attempted suicide; four times the level of severe or extremely severe stress, anxiety and depression.”
Dr Carol-Anne O’Brien, director of advocacy at BeLonG To added: “The findings are stark.
“56% of LGBTI 14 to 18-year-olds had self-harmed, 70% had suicidal thoughts and one in three had attempted suicide”
