TEXAS — The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. for the first time in its more than 40-year history following an unprecedented spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in 2023. More than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law, which is more than double the number of laws passed in 2022.

Despite increasing acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, some adults and teenagers who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual are more likely than those who identify as straight to have serious thoughts of suicide and mental health conditions.

Health experts have raised the alarm about a mental health crisis among youth and say it is worse among LGBTQ+ youth.

According to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, in 2021, 69% of LGBTQ+ youth reported feeling persistently sad and hopeless. For heterosexual youth, that figure was 35%. During the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBTQ+ high school students were four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.

Spectrum News National Mental Health correspondent Dr. Nicole Cross recently spoke with Chloe Goodman, a licensed social worker who self-identifies as nonbinary. Goodman talked about the struggles they experienced as a teenager trying to mask their gender identity.

"Being in the closet is stifling. It's catching yourself often when you're either about to make a statement that someone could see as an indication of your sexuality or gender identy or having to keep quiet; it's this feeling of having to hold your breath and keep things suppressed inside as well as having to present a façade," Goodman disclosed.

Goodman said some LGBTQ+ girls who feel the same way are turning to hurting themselves, eating disorders and thoughts of suicide in an attempt to control their situation.

"I worry about LGBTQ+ youth that don't see a future for themselves because they think it's hopeless," Goodman expressed.

Every 45 seconds, at least one LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. between ages 13 and 24 attempts suicide, according to The Trevor Project. However, the likelihood that LGBTQ+ kids and teens will consider or attempt suicide decreases with family and community support.

Texas-based singer and talk show host Kelly Clarkson recently recorded a message for the nonprofit It Gets Better to encourage LGBTQ+ youth that life is worth living and they are not alone.

"This is Kelly Clarkson and I'm making this video to tell LGBTQ youth that I support them and believe in them. I want my kids to grow up in a world where everyone is accepted for who they are and that includes those who are LGBTQ. While my story might be different than yours, I know what it feels like to feel alone, but trust me there's so much more potential for you to achieve your dreams and find people just like you,” Clarkson said.

LGBTQ+ youth feel supported when parents and caregivers talk respectfully about their LGBTQ identities, educate themselves about LGBTQ issues and create space for their kids to talk about any bullying they may be experiencing. Click here for more tips and advice for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat online with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

LGBTQ+ youth can dial 988 then press 3 to speak with a counselor who has been trained to support the LGBTQ+ community.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect Chloe Goodman's preferredd pronouns. 6/28/2023