New research conducted by Trinity College Dublin unveils troubling trends in the mental health of Ireland’s young LGBTQI+ community, indicating a significant decline since 2016.
The study, titled ‘Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland’, sheds light on the deteriorating mental well-being of LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly among younger age groups and the transgender and gender non-conforming communities.
In collaboration with the Belong To charity, the research surveyed 2,800 participants across various age groups. Among those aged 14 to 18, staggering figures emerged: 50% reported severe or extremely severe symptoms of depression, 66% experienced severe or extremely severe anxiety, and 41% faced severe or extremely severe stress. Additionally, alarming rates of self-harm (72%), suicidal thoughts (77%), and suicide attempts (33%) were reported within this cohort.
For slightly older participants aged 19 to 25, similarly distressing statistics were revealed. While 35% experienced severe or extremely severe depression, 47% grappled with severe or extremely severe anxiety. Self-harm (65%), suicidal thoughts (75%), and suicide attempts (33%) remained prevalent concerns.
The study highlighted that mental health challenges were most pronounced within the transgender and gender non-conforming community, with elevated rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts.
Despite these grim findings, the research identified a glimmer of hope: 60% of participants sought professional help for mental health issues over the past five years.
Moreover, the study underscored a positive shift in public attitudes toward LGB individuals since 2016. However, less favorable attitudes persisted toward the transgender and intersex communities. Increased knowledge and interaction with these communities correlated with more positive attitudes among survey respondents.
The report emphasized the crucial role played by LGBTQI+ community groups and support networks in bolstering positive mental health outcomes. A striking 84% of participants acknowledged the positive impact of connecting with the LGBTQI+ community, with 93% attributing similar benefits to forming friendships within the community.
Moninne Griffith, CEO of Belong To, lamented the distressing findings, cautioning against complacency in Irish society regarding LGBTQI+ issues. She urged government entities, policymakers, and allies to collaborate in eradicating anti-LGBTQI+ stigma and discrimination.
Professor Agnes Higgins, leading the research team, reiterated the urgent need for intervention, particularly in schools where LGBTQI+ adolescents face heightened challenges. Bullying, especially homophobic, transphobic, or biphobic bullying, significantly impacted mental well-being and academic aspirations among LGBTQI+ youth.
The study serves as a clarion call to address the mental health crisis gripping Ireland’s LGBTQI+ youth and to foster an inclusive society where all individuals feel safe and supported.
