Two thirds of LGBT+ Young People experience suicidal thoughts and feelings

We can reveal the impact growing up in the UK is having on LGBT+ young people.

A survey has found around one in three are afraid to be themselves, and are concerned things will get worse for them.

Two in three have experienced suicidal thoughts, or feel confused and uncomfortable with life in the UK in 2021.

WATCH: Just Like Us Ambassador Pippa Sterk tells the #MentalHealthMonday Podcast about her experiences as an LGBT+ young person

Difficult lockdown

The survey results suggest young people from the LGBT+ community have had a particularly difficult lockdown period.

Many who had recently found new friendship groups and safe spaces were forced to stay at home, losing crucial links to like-minded individuals for sustained periods of time.

The survey from LGBT+ charity Just Like Us showed the stark realities for young people:

• 87% said they haven’t felt good about themselves on a daily basis over the last year.
• 51% of LGBT+ students say they have experienced or are experiencing an anxiety disorder
• LGBT+ young people are also twice as likely to have experienced or be experiencing depression (47%)

Sadly the statistics are even more shocking for those who are from black backgrounds

• Black LGBT+ young people are more likely to be experiencing depression (61%) and anxiety disorders (58%) than white LGBT young people

And young people from poorer backgrounds were also more likely to struggle

• Children who are on free-school meals are also more likely to experience anxiety disorders (58%), panic attacks (45%), and to have self harmed (38%).

Are schools doing enough?

Just Like Us’ research suggests that often what schools think are happening and what is actually happening is not aligned.

According to the report 71% of teachers say their school is set up to ensure all students feel supported and 68% say to provide a space where students can feel they can be themselves. However, in contrast a third of students (30%) say their school has only promoted positive messaging once or twice in the last 12 months and one in five have (18%) have received no positive messaging about being LGBT+ at all.

Find out more

Listen to the full conversation between Just Like Us CEO Dominic Arnall and ambassador Pippa Sterk on this week's #MentalHealthMonday Podcast

• WATCH: Just Like Us has a range of resources online to help young people navigate through some of the issues life can throw at them

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