new data: LGBTIQA+ young people face higher loneliness but greater help-seeking rates

New data from the headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey has found LGBTIQA+ young people are experiencing higher levels of loneliness, while leading the way in accessing professional mental health support. 

Released today on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the findings highlight the impact of discrimination on LGBTIQA+ young people. 

The national survey of more than 3,000 young people found that LGBTIQA+ young people aged 12-25 reported higher levels of loneliness than all young people surveyed (6.2 vs 5.2 on the Three-Item Loneliness Scale). 

Overall, loneliness for young people has declined since 2020, but has remained steady since the most recent headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey in 2022. 

Three-item Loneliness Scale (total score) by group 

The survey also found that more than three-quarters (77%) of LGBTIQA+ young people reported high or very high levels of psychological distress. This compares to 49% of all young people surveyed. 

Pleasingly, LGBTIQA+ young people were more likely than any other group to access professional mental health support, with 46% reporting they had sought help from a psychologist, school counsellor, youth mental health worker or a helpline in the previous 12 months. 

Around one in four (26%) young people accessed a professional mental health support in the last year. 

Mental wellbeing support accessed in the last 12 months by group (%) 
 

 headspace National Clinical Advisor and LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Lead Natasha Smith said growing hostility and discrimination was leaving many LGBTIQA+ young people with higher rates of loneliness and distress. 

“Locally and globally, there’s increased discrimination and hostility towards the LGBTIQA+ community,” Ms Smith said. 

“LGBTIQA+ young people are not necessarily born into communities with shared lived experiences, and those around them may not know how to best support them to navigate the world as an LGBTIQA+ person. That is why is important for services like headspace to create safe and affirming spaces for young people and family to connect and seek support.

“Higher help-seeking reflects a real strength of young people from this community. The LGBTIQA+ community has a history of carving out spaces and looking out for our own health and wellbeing because services haven’t always been accessible or inclusive, so we’ve had to create them ourselves.” 

Parker Tuckett, 25-year-old trans man and headspace National Youth Reference Group member said LGBTIQA+ young people were not inherently lonelier, but often faced a lack of acceptance and understanding. 

“LGBTIQA+ young people aren’t experiencing higher loneliness because of who they are. It’s because of the lack of acceptance, awareness and knowledge,” Mr Tuckett said. 

“I've lived in rural and regional areas all my life, and community can sometimes feel limited there. Having spaces where you feel safe and seen is extremely important in helping build confidence, explore your identity and feel comfortable in who you are. 

“There are so many young people still working out who they are or where they fit, and many who are not out yet. This means the people around them may not realise what they’re going through.” 

Parker Tuckett and Natasha Smith are available to speak with media upon request. Please contact headspace Media on: media@headspace.org.au or 0413 025 385