Gay and bisexual people over the age of 45 suffer less from mental disorders and make fewer suicide attempts than young people. These are six times more exposed.
Double penalty for young homosexuals and bisexuals. According to a survey carried out in the United Kingdom, and published in the Journal of Public Health, they are much more exposed to mental health problems before the age of 26 than after the age of 45. The interviews revealed valuable details about the variety of this sexual minority.
Better manage homophobia
5,800 young men, aged 16 or over, responded to questionnaires submitted by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK). Respondents under 26 were six times more at risk for suicide or self-destructive behavior than those over 45. The likelihood of them suffering from depression or anxiety was also doubled.
The authors of the study put forward two explanations for this phenomenon, but stress that they must be confirmed by in-depth work. With age, men learn to cope better with homophobia. The discrimination they face could also be related to causes other than their sexual orientation.
Life as a beneficial couple
But limiting sexual minorities to a single entity would be a mistake, this study reminds us. Age, ethnicity, income and education also play a major role in the onset of mental disorders. Black homosexual and bisexual African-Americans are thus twice as likely to be depressed and five times more at risk for suicide. “It is clear that health inequalities among gay and bisexual men reflect the larger society,” comments Dr. Ford Hickson, who signs the study.
Likewise, respondents with low incomes or academic training were more prone to mental disorders. “This is probably explained by the fact that men are more able to deal with homophobia as they age or if they live in privileged areas,” according to Dr. Ford Hickson. Living as a couple is, however, a positive factor since it reduces the risk of depression by 50% compared to living as a single person.
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