Recent research has revealed that nearly one-third of LGBTQ+ college students felt suicidal in the last year. With more than 1 out of 4 responding that they have contemplated abandoning their studies due to mental health related issues.
Published on June 9, 2022. The BestColleges study surveyed LGBTQ+ college students and discovered alarming stats. For instance, nearly a third of all respondents had suicidal thoughts during the last year. Almost doubling the suicide rate of straight college students. Proving that young adults in the LGBTQ+ community need society to pay more attention to their mental health. In fact, 92% of LGBTQ+ college students responded that their college experience has been tainted by their mental health.
Additionally, the research reveals that more than a third of LGBTQ+ college students haven’t sought out help due to the costs associated with mental health. Leaving them untreated and more likely to discontinue their studies. LGBTQ+ students are also more likely to feel lonely and socially isolated compared to their straight peers.
The study also identified disparities among members of the LGBTQ+ community who are Caucasian and those who identify as people of color. LGBTQ+ students from ethnic minorities were more likely to say that their mental health had worsened since being in school and were less likely to seek out mental health. In contrast, white LGBTQ+ students were much more likely to respond that they’ve experienced symptoms of anxiety, disappointment or sadness, burnout, increased procrastination, struggles with time management and decreased physical activity.