New national survey released during Pride Month shows mental health of LGBTI+ young people has acutely deteriorated during Covid-19.
Findings from a national survey conducted by BeLonG To Youth Services reveal the consequence of the pandemic for LGBTI+ young people.
The research shows that 97% of LGBTI+ youth are struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression.
The pandemic poses a greater risk to marginalised and vulnerable groups, including LGBTI+ young people.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, research highlighted the mental health struggles experienced by LGBTI+ young people in Ireland.
The group was twice more likely to self-harm, three times more like to experience suicide ideation, and four times more likely to experience anxiety and depression than their non-LGBTI+ friends.
These risks have been exacerbating young LGBTI+ people during the past year.
Key findings reveal that during COVID-19:
63% of LGBTI+ young people are struggling with suicide ideation (2020: 55%).
50% of LGBTI+ young people are struggling with self-harm (2020: 45%).
83% of young people are feeling acute loneliness throughout the pandemic (2020: 60%).
58% of young people described their mental health as "bad" or "very bad" (2020: 48%).
More than half (56%) of LGBTI+ young people surveyed this year in 2021 said they were not fully accepted in their home environment.
Family rejection, feeling unaccepted, and a denial of identity can result in loneliness, stress, anxiety, and more complex mental health challenges.
Moninne Griffith (she/her), CEO of BeLonG To Youth Services says:
"The past 12 months have been extremely difficult for LGBTI+ young people, as clear from our research.
Levels of self-harm and suicide ideation are rising as LGBTI+ young people experience unique mental health challenges.
Many formal and informal safety nets, supports, and services have been unavailable because of lockdowns and increased social isolation.
More than half of LGBTI+ young people surveyed told us they are not fully accepted in their home environment because of who they are or who they love.
Family rejection, feeling unaccepted, and a denial of identity can result in loneliness, stress, anxiety, and more complex mental health challenges.
We need to let LGBTI+ young people know that they are not alone.
We need to show LGBTI+ young people across Ireland know that there are spaces for them to come together, be who they are, and receive the support they need.
To achieve this, we are calling for the support of those passionate about ensuring LGBTI+ young people have their needs met, and their voices heard.
We are sure that whatever lies ahead, the impact of Covid-19 will be with us for years to come. Our commitment is to continue to understand how this affects LGBTI+ young people, share that evidence to ensure that their needs are not forgotten, and be here for every LGBTI+ young person who needs us.”
The survey was conducted by BeLonG To Youth Services, LGBTI+ Life Lockdown: One Year Later survey was conducted online from April 29th-May 10th, 2021, to assess the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on LGBTI+ youth in Ireland.
To obtain a representative national sample of LGBTI+ young people, we conducted outreach through national, regional, and local organisations that provide services to or advocate for LGBTI+ youth.
The survey was anonymous for the safety and comfort of LGBTI+ young people.
Some 3,194 young people started the survey.
A number of respondents fell outside of the inclusion criteria, and 16 responses, including homophobic and transphobic rhetoric, were removed.
The final sample consisted of 2,279 LGBTI+ young people between the ages of 14 and 24 years.
24% of young people who completed the survey are living in Munster.
