The last several years have been tumultuous for younger populations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning or another non-heterosexual identity (referred to as LGBQ+, as the CDC did not include those who identify as transgender) are especially struggling, nearly twice as much as those who identify as heterosexual.
In 2021, 69% of LGBQ+ teens reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the previous 12 months, compared to 35% of heterosexual teens.
Because the transgender population is excluded in this report, that 69% is likely vastly understated, said Colin Quinn, president of Included Health Communities, which is dedicated to care navigation and advocacy services for the LGBTQ+ community and the Black community. Included Health provides virtual and in-person care.
“I think the missing point, and they call this out, is [the report] did not include the transgender youth population,” Quinn said in an interview. “We know their mental health needs are increased and access is more limited and their experiences within the school setting are even worse. So if the CDC did include the transgender youth population within this, you would see those percentages even more magnified, which of course is even more alarming and concerning.”
Aside from the sheer number of LGBQ+ kids feeling sad or alone, also concerning is the fact that so many of them are feeling it persistently. It’s normal to have these feelings from time to time, but persistent feelings show that there’s a need for action, said Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, medical director of behavioral health at Included. About 50% of LGBQ+ students had poor mental health during the previous 30 days and nearly 25% attempted suicide in the previous year.
Read more at MedCityNews.com.
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