Existing research tells us that LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and self-harm compared to people who aren’t LGBTQ+.
In 2022, we responded to over 69,000 calls for help from people who spoke about gender identity or sexuality.
Being LGBTQ+ is not a risk in itself. Research suggests that certain life experiences can contribute to suicidal behaviour, and LGBTQ+ people may be more likely to have some of these experiences. For example, if someone is discriminated against or bullied based on their identity, they may be more likely to have suicidal feelings or to self-harm. And if someone is rejected by their parents or loved ones because of who they are, they could become isolated if they have no other positive support system in place.
But we know that suicide is preventable. We worked with 11 LGBTQ+ Lived Experience Advisors who had experienced suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or self-harm to identify what needs to change to help prevent suicides for LGBTQ+ people.
1. LGBTQ+ people can have poor experiences with healthcare, meaning they might not get the support they need
Lived Experience Advisors told us about times they had received care from professionals who lacked knowledge about their identities, right through to experiences of direct discrimination.
In healthcare settings, Lived Experience Advisors spoke about care not suiting their needs, because of assumptions that healthcare professionals had made about them and their identity.
I need health professionals to be trained sufficiently to understand my identity as a lesbian, whether I am receiving support for my mental or physical health. A poor experience or outcome in either (or difficulties with access) will have a significant impact
Lived Experience Advisor
Unfortunately, moments like this can seriously deter people from continuing to seek help with their healthcare. These can happen across the health care system, not just in mental health services. Lived Experience Advisors told us that these moments can cause them to lose out on the help that they need and can lead to or worsen suicidal feelings.
Health services should invest in training healthcare professionals to have the confidence and skills to deliver care to LGBTQ+ people in a compassionate, non-judgmental and inclusive way.
2. Delayed healthcare can cause LGBTQ+ people to lose hope
We know that the NHS is experiencing serious problems with long waiting lists, meaning that many people are waiting far too long to receive critical health care.
This impacts LGBTQ+ people too. Lived Experience Advisors told us about how long waiting lists for mental health services and gender identity care can contribute to poor mental health and being more likely to reach crisis. One Advisor described that delaying treatment can lead to a “downward spiral of despair”.
At the same time, we heard from Advisors that trans people can sometimes avoid seeking help with their mental health for fear that it might impact their access to gender identity care. Other Advisors spoke about wanting to access different kinds of mental health and psychological support but being unable to be on more than one waiting list at one time. So, some LGBTQ+ people are not able to access the help they need.
Longer waiting lists for gender care are particularly concerning as people can’t be honest about their mental health as it may impact gender care. If this wasn’t the case people could access other services while waiting and would be more supported.
Lived Experience Advisor
People should be able to access support when they need it and should be taken seriously no matter where they present in the health system. There is a clear need to reduce all waiting lists for everyone. And whilst no-one should have to wait to receive care, if there are waiting lists, it should be possible to be on multiple waiting lists at one time. Mental health support should be accessible alongside gender identity care services, if needed.
3. Strong, affirming support networks can help to prevent suicidal thoughts and feelings for LGBTQ+ people
Lived Experience Advisors told us that sometimes the most important support people can get is from within their community. Recreational and wellbeing groups led by and for LGBTQ+ people can be a lifeline.
These groups are often a first point of contact for people. Community groups can provide a safe and affirming space for LGBTQ+ people to be themselves and meet people with shared experiences, helping people avoid feeling lonely or isolated. With the long waiting lists for mental health services, these community groups can also plug gaps in support for people. Groups which cater to intersecting identities, for example being LGBTQ+ and of a certain faith, can be particularly important in helping people feel that they belong.
They’re based in the community so they’re not in a traumatising environment, they are where people need them to be... They help people connect and feel community and relationships which is so important
Lived Experience Advisor
Unfortunately these groups are not always sustainable as they often have limited funding and rely on volunteers. Funders need to invest in local LGBTQ+-led community groups which help tackle the drivers of suicide, such as loneliness and isolation.
To find out more about our work with Lived Experience Advisors to identify what needs to change to help prevent suicide for LGBTQ+ people, read Samaritans’ policy position.