LGBTQ+ youth are more than 2x as likely as their heterosexual peers to experience mental health struggles. Coming out, rejection, trauma, and isolation are just a few of the causes. Read on to learn more and how you can help.
Let's Talk About Mental Health

Full disclosure – I am on the Board of Haven Youth and Family Services. But this digital youth art show is just so powerful, I wanted to share it here. Expressing feelings through art is healing and clarifying, and there is no wrong way to do it. All four of my kids turn to some form of artistic expression when they are working through tough feelings. I honestly believe it has been one of their greatest outlets, especially during this time of Covid.
The entry below is a piece that I cut from the book I am writing but wanted to publish in some way. I will continue to add articles and resources to this section as I come across them and/or as I write them!

I am a huge proponent of mental health awareness and self-care. I also happen to love my therapist, who is on the shortlist of people I credit with helping me save my life. In fact, I believe everyone should see a therapist. It just makes you a better person; the best version of yourself so you can be the best wife, mom, friend, daughter, etc.
And while I am delighted that mental health is no longer the overshadowed, ugly duckling of western medicine; that encouragement to care for our mental health is almost on par with caring for our physical health, our country is quite literally in a mental health crisis. According to Mental Health America’s 2019 annual State of Mental Health report, major depression in our youth has increased 4.35% over the past six years despite an increase in awareness. Yikes!
Adolescence is a critical period for mental health because many mental health disorders show onset during and directly following this developmental period (Kessler et al. 2005, 2007). Recent US estimates of adolescent past-year mental health diagnoses indicate that 10% demonstrate a mood disorder, 25% an anxiety disorder, and 8.3% a substance use disorder (Kessler et al. 2012). Further, suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 14 and the second leading cause of death for those ages 15 to 24 (CDC 2012). (ARCP)
These are startling numbers, and they beg answers to some unsettling questions. First, why are the numbers still increasing when overall awareness is also increasing? Second, what are the underlying potential causes that all youth have in common? Third, what shifts are needed across the board (mental health professionals, parents/families, schools/organizations, youth)?
Thankfully, mental health awareness is increasing. It is quite a large umbrella, so here is a very basic breakdown of teen-specific signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders:
Depression
- Sadness
- Feeling negative and worthless
- Increased fatigue and sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Irritability and anger
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Poor performance in school
- School refusal
- Feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive
- Substance abuse
- Loss of interest in normal activities or social interaction
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation
Anxiety
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding normal activities or social interaction
- Isolating from friends
- Frequent headaches
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Poor performance in school
- Symptoms of panic attacks (rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, difficulty breathing, chest pain)
There are many tools and treatments available. The first step is to be aware and to support your child. Talk with a mental health professional. The earlier your child learns coping techniques, the easier it will be. I have seen it with my own kids. All four manage their own flavor of depression and/or anxiety. As we dug deep the past three years to learn all we could and stripped away all stigmas about seeing a therapist, all six of us have benefitted greatly. My 14-year-old daughter Grace knows that music, drawing, or designing one of her fabulous special effects make-up creations helps calm her anxiety. My 16-year-old daughter Isabelle employs several breathing techniques, music, or quiet meditation when her anxiety kicks in. It is trial and error. Do not get discouraged.
Knowing what adolescent mental health looks like is helpful when understanding the mental health of our LGBTQ+ youth.
Numerous studies conducted both in the United States and internationally consistently conclude that LGBT youth report higher rates of emotional distress, symptoms related to mood and anxiety disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior when compared to heterosexual youth (Eskin et al. 2005, Fergusson et al. 2005, Fleming et al. 2007, Marshal et al. 2011). Furthermore, any or all of these have shown to be a precursor to substance use, abuse, and dependence; Marshal et al. 2008). (ARCP)
In youth 14 to 21 years old, Fergusson and colleagues (1999) found that LGB youth were more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts, and experienced more major depression, generalized anxiety disorders, substance abuse/dependence, and comorbid diagnoses, compared to heterosexual youth. Results from a more recent US study that interviewed a community sample of LGBT youth ages 16 to 20 indicated that nearly one-third of participants met the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder and/or reported a suicide attempt in their lifetime (Mustanski et al. 2010). When comparing these findings to mental health diagnosis rates in the general population, the difference is stark: Almost 18% of lesbian and gay youth participants met the criteria for major depression and 11.3% for PTSD in the previous 12 months, and 31% of the LGBT sample reported suicidal behavior at some point in their life. National rates for these diagnoses and behaviors among youth are 8.2%, 3.9%, and 4.1%, respectively (Kessler et al. 2012, Nock et al. 2013). (Annual Review of Clinical Psychology)
While these statistics are startling, there is some good news. Changes in societal acceptance of LGBT people have made coming out possible for youth. Compare today’s average age of 16 to age 18 a decade ago and 20 in the 1970’s. However, the age of coming out now intersects with the developmental period characterized by potentially intense interpersonal and social regulation of gender and sexuality, including homophobia. Given this social/historical context, and despite increasing social acceptance, mental health is a particularly important concern for LGBT youth. (ARCP)
What we know now is that Connor’s mental health journey has pretty closely mirrored the above statistics. However, we did not know this at the time of his coming out or even prior when he struggled for years with anxiety (ages 10-12) and both anxiety and depression (ages 13+).
Knowledge is half the battle. Solid information helps give us options and helps us create a plan (or plans) of action. While it doesn’t eliminate the trial and error of figuring out the root cause and coming up with a toolbox of tactics, understanding mental health will definitely point you in the right general direction.
You know your child. Even if they seem like a stranger at times, the parent-child bond speaks many silent truths. Listen to what is being said between the lines, listen to what your intuition is telling you and advocate for your child if need be.
Whenever I bring one of my kids to our pediatrician when they are sick, she first talks to them, checks all of the basic symptoms and then turns to me and asks what I think is going on. I have always loved that because as parents we know our kids best, even when it feels like we don’t.
For a time at the height of the intensity of our journey, I had one professional tell me that they knew Connor’s thoughts better than I did – after only meeting with him once! For a period of four-five months, we had professionals telling us that Connor’s issue was that he was addicted to marijuana. My husband and I fought, persevered, and advocated for him, insisting they dig deeper to find the root cause. Was he smoking to numb the feelings of anxiety and depression, or was it deeper – had he not fully dealt with his coming out process?
You know your kid. Just like I always knew that Connor taking a bath meant depression was overcoming him, you know your child’s signs. Don’t be afraid to speak that truth.
This TedxTalk is simultaneously heartbreaking and beautifully raw. It is by Jason Reid sharing the story of his son being taken by suicide and how we need to be communicating with our kids. You can listen to my podcast episode with Jay here.
Just Breathe is Featured in Top 10 Lesbian Parenting Podcasts
Check out the full list and find some other awesome lesbian podcasts.

I have loved and admired you and your family for over 30 years now, but the honor I have always felt to call you friend truly quadrupled yesterday after listening to your podcasts. Every word was true and authentic, and real, and beautiful-even those that made me cry to the point where I had to pause for a bit before continuing.
I know the last few years have been pure hell. Yet somehow you, Steve, and your kids somehow managed to navigate it with grace, dignity, love, vulnerability, and acceptance. I am in awe of each of you. Messiness sucks, but you are showing the world how beautiful life can be if we find a way to embrace it and breathe. Thanks to all of you for sharing your story and resources-it WILL make a difference for so many others.
S. Geidner
When I was Connor’s age, I don’t think Ellen DeGeneres was out yet. The world has changed so much since that time. I’m glad I’m alive to see it. I find myself cheering on parents like Heather who are willing to step out of their own comfort zone and reputations to stand by LGBTQ children and love us – out loud! This is such an important show [the podcast]. BIG LOVE for this courageous family in the Midwest! Yay YOU!
J. SluMac
Powerful, profound, so needed… What a breath of fresh air this show [the podcast] is. So many LGBTQ people, especially youth, struggle with the devastating impact of faith-based family rejection. Parents are searching for a better way. A way to love their LGBTQ child without compromising their faith. It takes opening what box you have God in – thank you for helping people do that! What a gift this podcast is!
R. Cottrell
I love your raw, real vulnerability. I am brand new on this journey and stumbled accidentally across your podcast on a road trip. I listened for 8 hours of driving and didn’t want to get to my destination because I wanted more. Using your own journey to help and support other parents is so brave and I am grateful to you and your family. Connor is so fortunate to have you ❤️
Anonymous
Your centered, calming voice and demeanor help me to feel more peaceful. I experience you as therapeutic & your journey gives me more hope that we can love [our son] well. Thank you for giving your life away to me through sharing your story and the guests you interview.
Anonymous
Powerful, profound. So needed. Thank you!!!
What a breathe of fresh air this show is. So many LGBTQ people, especially youth, struggle with the devastating impact of faith-based family rejection. Parents are searching for a better way – a way to love their LGBTQ child without compromising their faith. It takes opening whatever box you have God in – thank you for helping people do that! What a gift this Podcast is!!
Apple Podcasts
This podcast was unbelievably helpful. The frank discussion and honesty -completely helped me begin my journey with my son and I have shared this podcast with everyone in our family Truly look forward to more episodes.
Apple Podcasts
Amazing!!! This is so incredibly well done and your thoughtful approach is undoubtedly helping tons of families. What you’re doing truly matters! Your son is lucky to have you and vice versa ;)! Thank you for sharing w us!
Apple Podcasts
Thank you, thank you for this!! I learned so much!
Apple Podcasts
Helped so much!!
I have learned so much and feel so much less alone after listening! Thank so much!!
Apple Podcasts
Must-Listen!
This podcast is a must-listen for those wanting to learn how to best help the LGBTQ teen or young adult in their life. Heather is a thoughtful host who offers great information and support. Such a great podcast with great information!
Apple Podcasts
Thank you.
Exactly what this momma needed.
Apple Podcasts
Right on … so needed
Heather is real, relatable, thoughtful, educated, and inclusive of every teen parent scenario in her talks. I love being able to hear first hand from someone who has gone through the “Valley of Darkness” and come out the other side a better person, informed, and able to help others right where they are.
Apple Podcasts
Just breathe
Thank you for providing this valuable information.
Apple Podcasts
Attn Parents!
Listen, absorb, learn, and breathe thru this podcast. So helpful us (child and parents) as we go thru this journey together.
Apple Podcasts