Homosexual Youths Vulnerable to Depression

London: Owing to discrimination and stigma associated with sexual minorities, depressive symptoms are more common among those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, not exclusively heterosexual, or not sure of their sexual orientation from age 10, and continue throughout their early adulthood, say researchers.

The observational study showed that the adolescents from the sexual minority group are four times more likely to report self-harm at ages 16-21 years than their heterosexual peers, and are at higher risk of depressive symptoms from as young as 10 years old.

“It is very concerning that despite changes in public perceptions and attitudes, sexual-minority youth remain at increased risk of long-term mental health problems,” said lead researcher Gemma Lewis from University College London, UK.

“Our findings underscore the importance of mental health problems before conscious self-identification and labelling of sexual-minority orientation. It is imperative that we find new ways to reach these adolescents and that they are able to access high-quality support services from a young age,” Lewis added. (IANS)

Also Read: International News