Lesbian, gay, bisexual students at higher risk of self-harm
Students
who are lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) are at a higher risk of self-harm when
compared to heterosexual
individuals, a recent study suggests.
The
research also shows that low self-esteem may explain the increased risk of
self-harm in LGB students. Self-harm
typically includes behaviour such as cutting, hair pulling, scratching, burning
or non-lethal overdoses.
"Young
people's mental health is a national concern and this study confirms that lesbian, gay or bisexual young
people have elevated rates of suicidality and self-harm
compared with heterosexual youth. We
know much less about how LGB young people seek help for their mental health
problems, or what type of support would be effective," said Dr. Elizabeth
McDermott, lead author of the study, which appeared in the journal of Archives
of Suicide Research.
Of
the LGB students who completed an online questionnaire, 65 per cent had carried
out non-suicidal self-harm over their lifetime compared to 41 per cent of
heterosexual students. About 35 per cent of LGB students had attempted suicide
in their lifetime compared to 14 per cent of non-LGB students. Read
More
Comments
Post a Comment