This World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), we are drawing attention to the critical need for accessible mental health services for those living with or at risk of HIV.
People living with or at risk of HIV often experience stigma, discrimination, and social isolation which can lead to severe mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and substance use.
These challenges are not just side effects—they are life-threatening. A 2021 meta-analysis found that people living with HIV are 100 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, a stark and tragic statistic that demands urgent attention.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges Through Global Partnerships
At the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we understand that addressing mental health is not just a complementary service—it’s an essential lifeline. We are proud to collaborate with partners across the globe who are committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive support to those who need it most, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.
A Story of Resilience: H’s Journey with Lighthouse Vietnam
In early 2024, Hieu, a young gay boy who engages in chemsex —using drugs to enhance or facilitate sexual activity—reached out to Lighthouse Vietnam, a grantee of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Struggling with severe panic, sleep disorders, and self-harming thoughts, Hieu was in desperate need of support. Through mental health counseling sessions, Hieu began to regain a sense of control over his life, building confidence and resilience. As a result of Lighthouse Vietnam’s services, Hieu was also able to get tested for HIV, start treatment when he discovered his positive diagnosis, and receive additional counseling on substance use and safe chemsex practices.
However, by June 2024, Hieu’s struggles resurfaced, leaving him feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable once again. Remembering the positive impact of the support he had previously received, Hieu made the courageous decision to return to Lighthouse Vietnam where he received additional counseling sessions. Hieu not only found the support he needed but was also connected to a specialized community clinic for more comprehensive psychological care.
“When I first reached out to Lighthouse, I felt really stuck and didn’t know what to do. The counseling sessions helped me regain a sense of calm and control over my situation,” shared Hieu. “I’ve come to truly appreciate this support and realized there’s nothing wrong with seeking help when things get tough.”
Hieu’s story underscores the necessity of building strong, trusting relationships between clients and care providers, which enable timely and effective interventions that address both mental and physical health challenges. “Supporting Hieu throughout his journey demonstrated the power of peer support. Sometimes, people just need someone to listen, understand, and offer them ideas to overcome challenges,” shared Hieu’s Counselor at Lighthouse Vietnam. “It is incredibly important to provide friendly, continuous, and accessible services for people like Hieu and to integrate comprehensive services tailored to the needs of the community.”
With funding from the Foundation, Lighthouse Vietnam developed a new website to connect people with stigma-free health services such as HIV prevention, testing and treatment, as well as mental health support and information. This has helped raise awareness and engage the community on the importance of mental health whilst connecting people to facilities across the country.
In addition to this online resource, since the start of 2024, Lighthouse Vietnam have conducted basic mental health screenings for over 300 clients, with 192 people going on to receive further in-depth support for depression and anxiety.
Photo caption: Lighthouse Vietnam Counselor meeting with a client
Comprehensive Support to Protect LGBTQ+ Young People
LGBTQ+ people often encounter stigma and discrimination which can have a devastating effect on their mental and emotional wellbeing. As part of our mission to uplift the rights, health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people around the world, we fund organizations like The Trevor Project which provides critical mental health support to LGBTQ+ young people.
The statistics are harrowing:
- LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
- Each year in the United States, more than an estimated 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-24 seriously consider suicide, and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds
We help fund The Trevor Project’s crisis services, which serve as a lifeline for young people in their darkest moments. When an LGBTQ+ young person reaches out, one of their 3,000+ crisis counselors is there to answer the call, the text, or the chat. These counselors are trained to address the unique challenges LGBTQ+ youth face, from struggles with identity and coming out to dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts.
“Many youth contacting our crisis line are reaching out with a myriad of issues such as; bullying, coming out, family, eating disorders, gender identity, mental health, transitioning, sex and sexuality, self-harm, suicidal ideation and their relationships. LGBTQ+ youth are also always concerned about developments around anti-trans legislation, rules and policies in their schools and colleges, and how homophobia and transphobia from the adults they trust may affect their daily life,” shared a Lifeline Crisis Counselor at The Trevor Project.
“Everyone can be an ally by showing up for the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth through showcasing their ability to be a nonjudgmental, safe and supportive active listener when youth raise their concerns about their gender identity, sexuality and/or mental health.”
Through our partnership with The Trevor Project, we are creating safe spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can find refuge, support, and hope. The difference these services make cannot be overstated—they can make the difference between life and death.
The power of support
As we observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Day, we are reminded of the critical role that mental health services play in the lives of people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community. The work of our partners, like Lighthouse Vietnam and The Trevor Project, is essential in providing the support needed to navigate the complex challenges that many individuals face.
Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their HIV status or sexual orientation, has access to the mental health care they need to thrive.
