A recent study by the Trevor Project tracking the mental health of approximately 1,700 LGBTQ+ youth across the U.S. reveals a significant decline over one year, with increases in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Transgender and nonbinary youth are especially vulnerable, reporting twice the rates of anxiety (70%) and suicidal thoughts (53%) compared to their cisgender peers.

The data shows that anxiety symptoms rose from 57% to 68%, depression from 48% to 54%, and suicidal thoughts from 41% to 47%, indicating worsening mental health among LGBTQ+ youth.

Discrimination and threats significantly contribute to these mental health issues, though support from family, friends, and mental health services can help mitigate these risks.

Alarmingly, reports of threats and exposure to conversion therapy doubled during the study period, with 22% of youth experiencing threats and 15% subjected to conversion therapy, despite bans and widespread condemnation.

While support at school increased slightly from 53% to 58%, and more youth sought help from friends (from 45% to 73%), access to mental health services declined from 80% to 60%, mainly due to cost and stigma.

Despite barriers, the number of youth relying on mental health professionals doubled from 32% to 64%, and those feeling supported at school also increased, reflecting some positive shifts.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing cases on conversion therapy, with conservative justices expressing skepticism about bans, which could threaten future protections for LGBTQ+ youth.

The study links societal hostility—such as anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, restrictions on gender-affirming care, and pressure to undergo conversion therapy—to the mental health decline, highlighting the harmful impact of discrimination.

The participant pool is ethnically diverse, with 68% being youth of color, representing a broad spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities.

Victimization is widespread, with one-third experiencing physical harassment or threats due to their sexual orientation, and about 55% facing discrimination, especially among transgender and nonbinary youth.

Most youth who received counseling reported benefits, with help-seeking during suicidal episodes doubling to 64%, indicating increased distress but also greater utilization of support services.