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Gay or bisexual teens who have someone to turn to with a serious problem have significantly better mental health outcomes than those who don't, according to a new study from Tulane University researchers.

Among gay and lesbian teens, an estimated 61% of those without a trusted person had experienced depression in the past year, compared with 35% of those who had at least one person to turn to. The gap was even wider for suicidal thoughts: 66% of gay and lesbian teens without a trusted person had seriously considered suicide, compared with 27% of those with one.

"Across the board, having someone to talk to was linked to lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts and having a suicide plan in the past year," said lead author Evan Krueger, assistant professor in the Tulane University School of Social Work. "But for many LGBQ+ youth, it made an even bigger difference."

The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, drew on a national survey of adolescents ages 12 to 17.

The research team also examined who teenagers turn to for help and explored differences for lesbian, gay, bisexual and other sexual minority teens. About 8 in 10 heterosexual teens said they would turn to a parent, compared with about 6 in 10 gay, lesbian and bisexual teens.

"Being a teenager is already hard, and LGBQ+ youth face extra stressors, like stigma, discrimination and bullying , on top of the everyday challenges," Krueger said.

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