LGBT youth missing out on support

摘要

Many young lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are in need of mental health support. This cohort has higher rates of mental health problems, self-harm and suicide than their heterosexual counterparts, so it is vital that they can access the care they need. But a new study has found that mental health staff feel they have inadequate training and skills to help them support LGBT youths. The data from around 100 members of staff is part of a research project called Queer Futures, which is exploring LGBT youth self-harm, suicidal feelings and help seeking. Almost 800 young people aged 16 to 25 took part in the Lancaster University study, the vast majority of whom identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning or unsure. The first phase of the Department of Health-funded project, due for publication in March, found that 89 of participants had self-harmed, 98 had experienced suicidal thoughts and almost 60 had attempted suicide. Senior lecturer in health research and lead researcher Elizabeth McDermott says it is encouraging that the mental health staff who participated in the study had a good level of knowledge about LGBT youth and self-harm and suicide. The majority believed that LGBT youth experienced more emotional distress because they felt isolated by their sexual orientation and gender identity.