Suicide and self-harm risk twice as high in LGB+ adults in England and Wales

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that LGB+ individuals in England and Wales are at significantly higher risk for suicide and self-harm relative to heterosexuals. Specifically, the suicide rate among LGB+ people is 2.2 times that of heterosexuals, with notable spikes in risk for young adults and Black individuals. The data underscore serious mental health inequities, especially among bisexual individuals, who exhibit the highest rates of self-harm. Advocacy organizations like Samaritans view this data as pivotal for facilitating urgent action toward suicide prevention.

The findings show that self-harm and suicide among LGB+ individuals in England and Wales are significantly higher compared to heterosexual peers, highlighting critical mental health disparities.

The ONS analysis indicates that the risk of suicide among Black LGB+ individuals is alarmingly higher than their heterosexual counterparts, necessitating targeted mental health interventions.

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