Abstract:

This study examines four-year mental health trends among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults in the Texas Panhandle, a deeply conservative region where sexual and gender minorities face significant social challenges. Using cross-sectional survey data collected annually from 2022-2025 (N=884), we analyzed trends in suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, self-harm, mental health challenges, and bullying victimization. Results reveal alarmingly elevated mental health disparities throughout the study period. Suicidal ideation peaked at 81.7% in 2023 before declining to 52.6% in 2025, with rates consistently double national LGBTQ+ youth averages. Suicide attempts followed a similar pattern, reaching 43.3% in 2023 and falling to 27.3% in 2025, yet remaining more than twice the national benchmarks. Self-harm attempts peaked at 58.4% in 2023, declining to 42.8% by 2025. Bullying victimization affected 50.9% to 73.7% of respondents across years, while mental health burden ranged from 61.7% to 78.2%. These findings reflect severe minority stress in a hostile social environment, exemplified by institutional conflicts such as West Texas A&M University's drag show ban and local advocacy restrictions. The persistent elevation of all indicators highlights urgent needs for targeted interventions, affirming mental health services, and policy changes supporting LGBTQ+ youth in rural, conservative environments.