Three recent studies find teens who identify as part of the LGBTQ community — as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning — are significantly more likely to experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression than their heterosexual peers. In a fourth study, Human Rights Campaign Foundation and University of Connecticut researchers surveyed over 12,000 LGBTQ teenagers and found they not only experience high levels of mental health problems and discrimination, they also often feel unsafe in their classrooms.

These new studies are important because higher risk of mental illness is linked to higher rates of suicide, drug use, low academic performance and physical illness. It’s important for primary care providers and parents of LGBTQ teenagers to screen for mental health concerns, so they can be addressed and treated.

Most of the LGBTQ teenagers surveyed in the recent study found it crucial to have supportive friends and family members. The Family Acceptance Project, an initiative based at San Francisco State University, has a few tips, especially for parents of LGBTQ teenagers:

First, talk to your child about his or her LGBTQ identity and clearly express affection and acceptance. Second, advocate for your child. Encourage your son or daughter to tell a trusted official at school if he or she is bullied or hears harmful comments. Third, connect your child with LGBTQ organizations that can help foster a greater sense of community.

A nurturing network of friends and family can help alleviate stress, and be key to creating a positive environment.