This post was written by Carmella O'Neal, LMFT, clinical programs supervisor, Parkview Behavioral Health.
Mental health awareness is more than noticing individual struggles—it's about comprehending the social, cultural and institutional forces that shape people’s well-being. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, mental health challenges are often intensified by experiences that many others may never face: discrimination, stigma, hate crimes, emotional and physical abuse, family rejection, lack of access to affirming healthcare and even discriminatory laws. Together, these realities create an environment that places LGBTQ+ individuals at a significantly higher risk for suicide and substance use. In this post, we explore these factors together and discuss ways we can better address them.
What the numbers say
Recent data paints a sobering picture, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, and reveals alarming trends.
Mental health
The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People shows that in Indiana alone, 43% of LGBTQ+ individuals ages 13–24 reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, and 12% said they took steps to attempt to end their life. These numbers reflect a nationwide mental health crisis impacting LGBTQ+ young people across the country. Behind each statistic is a young person navigating fear, isolation and often a lack of understanding or support during a critical stage of their life.
The risk does not go away as people get older. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 15.3% of LGBTQ+ adults said they had serious thoughts of suicide, and 1.3% said they tried to end their life. These results show that mental health problems continue for LGBTQ+ people at all ages.
Substance use
Mental health struggles and substance use are closely linked, especially in marginalized communities. The same SAMHSA survey found that 31.9% of LGBTQ+ individuals aged 12 and older experience a substance use disorder. The most commonly reported substances were THC (17.1%) and alcohol (16.3%).
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 are particularly vulnerable, with 38.6% experiencing a substance use disorder. Substance use can sometimes feel like a way to cope with discrimination, trauma or emotional pain, but it can also worsen mental health symptoms and increase the risk of suicide.
To understand the scale of this issue, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) reported that 4.7 million Americans aged 18–25 identify as LGBTQ+. Based on national suicide ideation rates, this suggests that more than 700,000 young adults seriously considered ending their lives, while approximately 1.8 million experienced a substance use disorder. These are not just numbers—they represent real people seeking safety, connection and hope.
From awareness to meaningful action
Allyship doesn’t require perfection—it starts with authenticity, love and kindness. Creating safer schools, affirming healthcare environments, supportive families and inclusive policies can save lives. Access to culturally competent, LGBTQ+ affirming mental health services is essential in reducing suicide risk and substance misuse.
Equally important is combating stigma. When LGBTQ+ individuals feel seen, accepted and supported, their mental health outcomes improve dramatically. According to The Trevor Project, having just one affirming and supportive person in their life can make someone 40% less likely to attempt suicide.
Many people want to support the LGBTQ+ individuals in their lives, but aren’t sure where to start. Simple but powerful actions include:
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Using a person's chosen name and pronouns
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Challenging stereotypes or harmful language when you hear them
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Educating yourself about LGBTQ+ experiences and issues
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Volunteering or supporting local community events and safe spaces
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Paying attention to the warning signs of suicide and substance use
Warning signs of suicide may include:
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Talking about wanting to die
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Making jokes about self-harm
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Expressing feelings of being a burden
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Saying they feel empty or hopeless
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Changes in mood such as increased sadness, anxiety, agitation or rage
Behavioral changes can look like:
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Increased isolation
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Risky behaviors
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Excessive spending
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Substance use
Noticeable changes in eating and sleeping habits may also indicate a decline in mental well-being. Taking these signs seriously and offering support can make a life-saving difference.
Final thoughts
Mental health awareness is ultimately about recognizing the humanity behind the statistics. The challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community are real and preventable. By listening, learning and standing in solidarity, we can help reduce mental health disparities and ensure that everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has the opportunity to live an authentic, healthy and hopeful life.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and no one should have to face these challenges alone.
Parkview Behavioral Health Institute (PBHI) provides personalized inpatient and outpatient care to those who are struggling with mental health issues. Our experienced specialists can answer your questions, provide recommendations and help arrange care. Call the PBHI HelpLine at 260-471-9440 or 1-800-284-8439 to receive an assessment or learn more about our services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
