A large number of young LGBTI+ youth have said that coming out is the biggest challenge they have faced.
There was an 88% spike in demand for BeLonG To Youth's services since the start of 2020.
A total of 58% of young people ranked it as the number one reason for reaching out to the organisation.
Nearly 20% said they wanted help issues relating to being transgender while 14% asked for assistance regarding mental health challenges, figures from BeLonG To Youth revealed.
Research shows that the time between a teen realising they are LGBTI+ and coming out can be a period of stress and mental health risk.
Compared to their non-LGBTI+ peers, LGBTI+ youth are two times more likely to experience self-harm, three times more likely to experience suicide ideation, and four times more likely to experience extreme stress, anxiety, and depression.
Moninne Griffith, CEO of BeLonG To Youth Services said: “Coming out can allow individuals to live an open, authentic and fulfilling life as themselves, and reduces some of the stress and anxiety many people feel when they are hiding part of themselves, who they are or who they love.
"Many LGBTI+ people say that coming out to family and friends feels like lifting a massive weight off their shoulders. Saying that we always remind LGBTI+ youth to consider whether they feel safe coming out and remember that they don’t need to tell anyone until they are ready.
"Coming out is a choice, not an obligation. At BeLonG To we are here to support young people who are questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity.”
She added: “To parents, be mindful that your child needs your support when coming out. Take time to consider what you say and how this might impact your child.
"Remember that this is not a ‘lifestyle choice’. Your child’s sexual orientation or gender identity is inherent and nothing you did or didn’t do made them LGBT+.
"You can’t make someone be different to who they are meant to be, but you can support them and help them to accept and love themselves for who they are.”
