Nagpur: School going children as young as 10-year-olds, who identify themselves as gays or lesbians, constantly suffer from depression and report more self-harm than their heterosexuals counterparts, according a study published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health. The study revealed that this cycle of depression continues throughout their school years and into early adulthood, and such kids are more likely to cause self harm once they turn teenagers.
Dr Gemma Lewis from University College London UK, who led the research, said, “It is very concerning that despite changes in public perceptions and attitudes, sexual minority youth remain at increased risk of long-term mental health problems. It is imperative that we find new ways to reach these adolescents and that they are able to access high-quality support services from a young age.” The findings suggest that sexual minority youth are four times more likely to report recent self-harm between 16 and 21 years of age than their heterosexual peers, and are at higher risk of depressive symptoms from as young as 10 years old.
In this study, researchers analysed data on 4,843 adolescents born between April 1991 and December 1992 from the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) who reported their sexual orientation at 16 years of age. The authors note that the study is observational, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect.
Sexologist Dr Sanjay Deshpande said no specific study has been conducted yet in India to corroborate the Lancet findings locally, but it may be happening at individual level. “In elder students, those who are in college, I have noticed that they speak out on these topics but younger students may be hesitant to come out,” said Dr Deshpande.
Read Also : Cops launch search for Kabir Infotech MD, three others in duping case
