Individuals who identify as LGB+ more susceptible to self-harm or suicide
The risk of suicide for LGB+ adults is estimated to be 2.2 times higher than for those identifying as straight or heterosexual.
Individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, or another sexual orientation (LGB+) have a higher risk of intentional self-harm or suicide compared to those who identify as straight or heterosexual, according to new data.
This risk is especially elevated for female and Black members of the LGB+ community, and there is an increased risk of self-harm among 16- to 24-year-olds.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) conducted a new analysis that explores the differences in estimated rates of self-harm and suicide based on sexual orientation.
Data from the 2021 census on sexuality was linked with NHS hospital records and death registrations for adults in England and Wales from March 2021 to December 2023.
The ONS found that the risk of suicide for individuals aged 16 and over identifying as LGB+ was 2.2 times higher than for those identifying as straight or heterosexual, while the risk of intentional self-harm was 2.5 times higher.
The analysis used hospital admissions and A&E attendances for self-harm figures and death registrations for suicide instances.
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The age-standardised rate of intentional self-harm for adults identifying as LGB+ was 1,508.9 per 100,000 people, compared with 598.4 per 100,000 for those identifying as straight or heterosexual.
The rate of suicide among LGB+ adults stood at 50.3 per 100,000 people, compared with 23.1 per 100,000 for those describing themselves as straight or heterosexual.
Emma Sharland, of the ONS health research group, stated: “This is our first analysis of intentional self-harm and suicide by sexual orientation, providing new insights into this important topic.”
“Our analysis highlights particular groups within the LGB+ community where the relative risk of intentional self-harm or suicide is notably high compared to their straight or heterosexual counterparts.”
“Every suicide is a tragic event, impacting families, friends, and communities. We hope that this analysis will offer valuable insights for those working on self-harm and suicide prevention.”
Both female and male individuals identifying as LGB+ had a significantly higher risk of intentional self-harm compared to those identifying as straight or heterosexual.
The risk was 2.8 times higher for females and 1.9 times higher for males.
The risk was highest for LGB+ 16- to 24-year-olds, with a 2.8 times higher risk, although all age groups showed a statistically significant elevated risk, including individuals aged 65 and over (1.6 times higher).
Among the LGB+ population, the risk of self-harm was 3.0 times higher for those identifying as black, a larger relative increase than for white (2.4 times higher), Asian (2.3), and mixed (2.3) ethnic groups; 2.9 times higher for those in the least deprived areas and 2.4 times higher in the most deprived areas. The risk was 2.9 times higher for individuals in rural areas compared to 2.5 times higher in urban areas.
The risk of suicide among individuals identifying as LGB+ was 3.1 times higher for females and 1.8 times higher for males, with statistically significant relative increases compared to the heterosexual population.
Regarding age groups, the ONS observed a different pattern for the risk of suicide compared to self-harm, with the highest increase in risk of suicide among LGB+ individuals aged 65 and over (2.8 times higher) and the lowest among 16- to 24-year-olds (1.9 times higher).
The risk of suicide among black LGB+ adults was 4.7 times higher than for their counterparts in the heterosexual population, showing a sharper relative increase than for adults of Asian (2.2), white (2.0), and mixed (2.3) ethnic backgrounds.
The ONS emphasized that it is unable to determine why rates of intentional self-harm and suicide differ for LGB+ individuals compared to heterosexual individuals and that it cannot ascertain whether sexual orientation is a causative risk factor for intentional self-harm or suicide.
If you are struggling, please reach out to Samaritans for free at 116 123 (UK and Republic of Ireland).
Additional sources of support can be found on the NHS help for suicidal thoughts webpage.
Support is available 24/7, every day of the year.
