Post-Election Anxiety and Election-Related Concerns Surge
The Trevor Project, the nation’s leading organization for suicide prevention and crisis intervention among LGBTQ+ youth, reported a dramatic surge in demand for its crisis services following the recent election. According to the organization, the volume of contacts through its lifeline, chat, and text services spiked nearly 700% on November 6, the day after the election, compared to prior weeks.
A deeper analysis of the post-election conversations showed a significant shift in concerns raised. Election-related topics appeared in crisis conversations with LGBTQ+ youth at a rate nearly 5,200% higher than the average before Election Day, underscoring the heightened anxiety and distress among young people in response to the election outcome.
This increase highlights the need for mental health resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, especially in times of heightened national focus.
According to the organization, a third of these contacts came from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) LGBTQ+ youth, reflecting significant distress among young people in this demographic.
Recent exit polling by NBC News showed that 85% of Black voters cast their ballots for Vice President Kamala Harris, including 91% of Black women. Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, noted the correlation between these voting patterns and the heightened mental health challenges faced by Black LGBTQ+ youth.
“Recognizing that the vast majority of Black voters supported Vice President Harris, it’s understandable that Black LGBTQ+ youth might experience negative mental health outcomes following the election,” Black said. “LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those from BIPOC communities, face unique challenges, often encountering marginalization, discrimination, and elevated risks for mental health crises, including suicide.”
The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People highlights these struggles:
- 14% of Black LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide in the past year, compared to 10% of white LGBTQ+ youth.
- 11% reported being physically threatened or harmed over the past year.
- 36% reported experiencing discrimination in the last year.
Further research from The Trevor Project paints a troubling picture:
- 44% of Black LGBTQ+ youth reported serious thoughts of suicide in the past 12 months, with rates higher among Black transgender and nonbinary youth.
- 55% experienced generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, rising to 70% among Black transgender and nonbinary youth.
- 63% of Black LGBTQ+ youth reported symptoms of major depressive disorder, including 71% among Black transgender and nonbinary youth.
- 49% sought but could not access mental health counseling in the past year.
The Trevor Project’s research underscores the urgent need for targeted mental health resources to support Black LGBTQ+ youth during turbulent times. The organization continues to advocate for policies and programs aimed at bridging gaps in mental health care for marginalized communities, particularly for those who often lack access to essential mental health resources.
If anyone you love or you are having difficulties after the election, here are some helpful resources from The Trevor Project:
- Finding Support & Building Community After the 2024 Elections
- How to Signal You Are an Ally in a Hostile Environment
- Letter from The Trevor Project’s CEO to LGBTQ+ youth
- How to Reach Out to The Trevor Project
- The Trevor Project’s Self-Care Flowchart
- The Trevor Project’s Visual Breathing Exercise for Stress & Anxiety
