On the Site:

HEALTHY MIND MATTERS

LGBTQ+ Teens tend to suffer more from mental illness and suicide ideation, study shows

May 12, 2023, 7:20 PM | Updated: May 13, 2023, 3:02 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Teens across the United States are struggling more and more with mental illness and suicide ideation, especially LGBTQ+ teens.

According to a recent CDC study, in 2021, almost half of LGBQ+ students seriously considered attempting suicide, nearly 1 in 4 attempted suicide and nearly 3 in 4 reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.

“I think as adults, we need to do a better job of supporting LGBTQ+ youth,” Jessica Holzbauer said. She is a therapist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

Holzbauer said one way we can support LGBTQ+ youth is by using their preferred pronouns.

“If individuals are called by their preferred pronouns, we see a 65% decrease in suicide attempts,” she said.

Jay Evans is a transgender teen, he said without that recognition of his pronouns, he feels lost.

“I feel like there’s no hope,” Evans said. “I feel like I’m just going to be this person that I’m not for the rest of my life and I’m never going to be seen as who I am.”

According to that same CDC study, in 2021 more than 1 in 10 LGBQ+ students did not go to school because of safety concerns; nearly 1 in 4 experienced sexual violence and nearly 1 in 4 were bullied at school.

Evans said he too has been bullied at school.

“People just don’t understand it, so they bully you for it,” Evans said.

Evans said he was able to find a safe space at his high school, on his color guard and band team.

“Regardless of who you are, you are welcome in that family,” he said.

He said he also finds safety in the youth space at the Utah Pride Center.

Where they offer resources like a queer closet, where you can dress in whatever clothes you feel most comfortable in.

“Seeing yourself as you in clothing that fits you, it’s the little bit of hope that everyone needs,” Evans said.

The center also offers activities for youth each day, peer to peer support groups, and support groups for youth and their parents.

“It makes me feel like I’m not alone and I have other people I can reach out to and have people like me I can hang out with,” Evans said.

Click here for more information on the Utah Pride Center and its recourses, visit their website.


All day Friday, KSL TV is dedicating its coverage to Teens In Crisis. The CDC published results of a concerning survey earlier this year, reporting increased sadness and mental distress among teen girls, LGBTQ+ youth and minority groups. We’ll look into what efforts are being made right here in Utah to help our youth.

KSL 5 TV Live

Healthy Mind Matters

(Laura Warburton)...

Emma Benson

‘Because of Hannah’: Utah mom who lost daughter to suicide provides resources for others

Laura Warburton remembers her daughter, Hannah, as a warrior.

11 days ago

SafeUT app...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com 

SafeUT app sees ‘record-breaking’ use in 2023

The SafeUT app saw "record-breaking" utilization during 2023, program leaders and partners announced Tuesday.

1 month ago

Kelsey (left) and Wendy Fayle (right) holding up a NAMI sign. (Courtesy: Wendy Fayle)...

Candice Madsen, KSL TV

NAMI Utah offers free classes for parents and adolescents dealing with mental illness

NAMI is offering free classes for both parents and adolescents that are dealing with mental illness.

1 month ago

YCC text messages...

Alex Cabrero

YCC Family Crisis Center in Ogden now accepting text messages

It is certainly not the easiest job out there. Amber Paaso will be the first to tell you she's burned out of doing it in the past. 

1 month ago

Dexton Obray was only 14 years old when he took his life in Monroe, Utah in October 2022. Since his...

Aley Davis

7th grade football player spreads mental health awareness after losing teammate to suicide

A 12-year-old boy is working to raise awareness after his football teammate died by suicide in October 2022.

3 months ago

Aron and Joe Tuia'ana (KSL TV)...

Peter Rosen

Utah man’s mission began on an overpass

Men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide. For Joe Tuia'ana that’s more than a statistic.

3 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

LGBTQ+ Teens tend to suffer more from mental illness and suicide ideation, study shows