Young Goths May Be More At Risk Of Depression Than Non-Goths

Researchers found that young goths are in danger of being more isolated and bullied in school than their non-goth peers, which may correlate with their increased likelihood of depression.

GOTHS MORE AT RISK OF DEPRESSION

The Lancet Psychiatry journal published a research that found a correlation between being a goth and having an increased likelihood of depression. Although this does not apply to the vast majority of goths, there are those who may need extra support within this often overlooked, minority group.

The study consisted of 3,694 15-year-olds in and around Bristol, England. The teenagers were asked what group they identified themselves with, such as sporty, popular, skaters, loners, etc. They found that those who identified as goths had an increased likelihood of depression and self-harm than their non-goth peers. However, many of the individuals who identified as goths were already more likely to have exhibited signs of depression before age 15, and were often bullied as well.

Goths spoke up about their personal depression to BBC News.

“I was depressed and ill before I was goth,” Nattalie Richardson said.

“I don’t think being a goth predisposes you to being depressed,” former goth Karen Anne Chudley stated.

Lucy Bowes, the lead author of the study, explained, “Our study does not show that being a goth causes depression or self-harm, but rather that some young goths are more vulnerable to developing these conditions.”

“We need to be supporting them, really,” says Stacey Elder, who works for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation where they focus on helping those who are part of subcultures gain recognition, respect and understanding within their communities