Understanding the Mental Health Challenges LGBTQ+ Teens Face
(And how to support them, even if you’re still figuring things out yourself)
Raising teens can be tough. You’re juggling growing independence, school stress, social media, hormones… and then one day, your child shares something deeply personal: “I think I’m gay,” or “I don’t feel like a girl,” or maybe, “I’m still figuring it out.”
If your child is part of the LGBTQ+ community (or if one of their close friends is) there’s a good chance they’re carrying emotional weight that can be hard to see at first glance. And it’s okay if you’re not totally sure how to respond. This blog is here to help you better understand what’s going on beneath the surface and why your support can mean everything.
What LGBTQ+ Teens Are Up Against
We want to believe the world is more accepting now, and in some ways, it is. But for many LGBTQ+ teens, everyday life can still be incredibly hard.
Here’s what the numbers tell us:
41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide last year.
14% actually attempted.
Among transgender and nonbinary teens, that number jumps to nearly 1 in 5.
(Source: The Trevor Project, 2023)67% reported struggling with anxiety, and 54% with depression.
Over half of LGBTQ+ teens who wanted mental health care couldn’t access it.
And here’s the kicker: these mental health challenges aren’t because of their identity. They’re because of how the world reacts to it, through bullying, rejection, fear, or silence.
The Weight of Not Feeling Accepted
Imagine trying to figure out who you are while feeling like parts of you are “too much” or “not okay.” That’s the daily reality for many LGBTQ+ teens.
They may:
Avoid talking about themselves
Hide parts of their identity
Feel anxious about going to school
Question if their family would still love them if they knew the full truth
Now layer on the stress of being a teenager in general, and it’s a lot.
So, What Can You Do?
Here’s the good news: your love and support matter more than you might realize. You don’t need to be an expert in LGBTQ+ topics to be a steady, safe presence in your child’s life.
And no: you don’t have to get everything right.
Let’s say that again: you don’t have to get everything right to be doing the right thing for your child.
You might fumble a pronoun or feel unsure what to say. That’s okay. What your teen really wants to know is:
“Do you still love me? Do you still see me? Can I be myself with you?”
If the answer is yes, you’re already doing something powerful.
A Few Ways to Show Up:
Keep the door open. Let them know they can talk to you about anything, and then really listen when they do.
Learn together. You don’t have to know it all. Use resources like PFLAG, which has amazing support for parents.
Affirm their identity. Using their name and pronouns, displaying inclusive values at home, and gently correcting others can all send a huge message of support.
Check in often. Even if they say they’re “fine,” letting them know you care goes a long way.
And If They (or You) Need Extra Support…
That’s where we come in.
At the Institute of Pediatric Psychology, we offer affirming, inclusive therapy for children and teens, including group therapy for teens who benefit from connecting with others who understand what they’re going through. We also support parents through family therapy and parent coaching right here in Orange County.
Whether your child just came out, or you’re quietly wondering how to support your child’s best friend who always seems to hang around your kitchen—we’re here for you.
You’re not alone in this. And neither is your teen.