People who experience discrimination, whether because of their race, sexuality, gender identity, age, or economic background, are significantly more likely to report suicidal thoughts, according to a new systematic review. The findings add to growing evidence that everyday prejudice can carry a hidden mental health cost that extends beyond immediate emotional distress.
The review, led by independent researcher Laura Espada Abajo, analysed 49 studies involving tens of thousands of participants worldwide. The researchers searched more than 9,000 articles published between 2000 and 2024 before narrowing the evidence to studies that met strict scientific criteria for measuring both perceived discrimination and suicidal ideation. The findings were published in Psychreg Journal of Psychology.
The results were striking. Most studies found a clear association between experiencing discrimination and having suicidal thoughts, either directly or through psychological pathways involving depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms. Racism and xenophobia were the most extensively studied forms of discrimination, appearing in more than half of the included studies, followed by discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Crucially, the review found that discrimination rarely appears to lead directly to suicidal thoughts on its own. Instead, it may contribute to depressive symptoms, internalised stigma, or feelings of not belonging, which can then increase suicide risk. This supports long-standing psychological theories suggesting that the stress caused by social mistreatment can gradually erode a person’s psychological resilience.
Not everyone affected by discrimination experiences suicidal thoughts, however. The review identified several protective factors that may help buffer its impact, including strong family and community support, a solid sense of ethnic or cultural identity, and close relationships with partners or peers. Among LGBT individuals, feeling connected to a wider community was associated with a lower risk of suicidal thoughts, even among those who had experienced significant prejudice.
The researcher noted that some forms of discrimination, including ageism, classism, and weight-based discrimination, remain far less studied despite emerging evidence that they may also influence suicidal thinking. She argued that mental health professionals should routinely ask about experiences of discrimination when assessing suicide risk, particularly among people from marginalised communities, rather than treating discrimination as a secondary concern.
The review’s author also highlighted gaps in the current evidence base, noting that most studies were conducted in the US and relied on cross-sectional designs, which cannot establish whether discrimination directly contributes to suicidal thoughts over time. She called for more long-term research across different countries and cultures to better understand how these patterns develop.
With suicide remaining one of the leading causes of death worldwide, the review’s authors argue that tackling discrimination should be viewed as a public health priority, not simply a social justice issue. Recognising the psychological toll of prejudice could help clinicians identify people at risk earlier and develop more effective, culturally sensitive support systems.
