The ONS has released its new data which highlights the urgent need to support LGBTQIA people getting mental health support
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY PEXELS
Trigger warning: this article contains discussions about self-harm and suicide
A new report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that LGB+ people are two times more likely to be at risk of suicide or self-harm.
This data is part of new analysis that explores how estimated rates of self-harm and suicide differ by sexual orientation.
The ONS found that the risk of suicide among LGB+ people aged 16 or over was about 2.2 times higher than their straight peers. In particular, people in the LGB+ community who are female or Black were reported to be at a “particularly high” risk of suicide. For Black LGB+ people, the risk of suicide was almost five times more than their heterosexual peers.
By linking data on sexuality recorded in the 2021 census with NHS hospital records and death registration for adults in England and Wales from March 2021 to December 2023, these figures have spurred a harrowing call for action.
As reported by The Guardian, Jacqui Morrissey, an assistant director of influencing at Samaritans, said: “These figures must now force the government to address this inequality issue before more lives are lost. While this data being published for the first time is a hugely important step forward for suicide prevention, we know the full picture is incomplete.”
“Urgent action is needed across healthcare to tackle the barriers that LGBTQ+ people face to getting the support they really need. Government can no longer drag its feet; lives depend on getting this right.”
If you have been or know someone affected by this topic, please reach out for support. You can contact organisations like Mind Out at 0300 7729855, LGBT Foundation at 0345 3 30 30 30, or Samaritans at 116 123.
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