Stressors put on the LGBTQIA+ community put these individuals at a higher risk for mental health issues. Prioritizing mental health care is crucial, and the good news is there are several resources available that specialize in LGBTQIA+ issues and experiences.
Anyone can experience mental health challenges — and that is especially true for members of marginalized groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community. Mental health struggles can manifest itself differently in each person, such as:
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Anger
- Paranoia
- Disordered eating
- Insomnia
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Self-harm
- Suicidal feelings or ideation
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s experimental Household Pulse Survey (HPS), “Regardless of age, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults have consistently reported higher rates of symptoms of both anxiety and depression than non-LGBT adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Minority Stress
Identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t cause mental health struggles, but rather they form around the experiences of discrimination, stigma, isolation, exclusion, and rejection.
Dr. Jennifer Vencill, a psychologist, told the Mayo Clinic that anxiety, depression, stressors and family relationships are often heightened for “the LGBTQ community because of their marginalized sexual and gender identities.” This is termed minority stress.
Mental Health America, the nation’s leading national nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, cited a study1 that found “LGBTQ+ people used mental health services at 2.5 times higher rates than their heterosexual counterparts.”
June is Pride Month
The month of June is celebrated by the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies as Pride month. It’s a chance to celebrate and reaffirm individuals who are living authentically and support them and their mental health in a safe, joyful space.
Supporting Mental Health
- Talk to a Trusted Source: Having someone listen can be extremely helpful. There are also several LGBTQIA+ helplines, including the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender National Hotline (888-843-4564).
- Peer Support: Connecting with people with shared or similar experiences can be therapeutic. Seek out support groups that may be local to your community, online, available through your workplace, or elsewhere.
- Self-care: Prioritize exercise, nutrition, sleep, and activities that bring you joy. Volunteering is also an excellent option.
- Medical Support: A doctor can help you get a diagnosis and explore possible medications for treatment.
- Start Therapy: Speaking to someone about traumatic experiences, difficult emotions, depression, anxiety, health issues, or relationship issues can help you develop coping skills. Some therapists specialize solely in LGBTQIA+ issues.
Mental Health Resources
If you’re looking for more LGBTQ+ mental health resources, the following are a great place to start:
- The Trevor Project: The leading suicide prevention crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQIA+ young people, offering support 24/7. All messages and conversations are anonymous and confidential.
- Text ‘START’ to 678-678
- Call 1-866-488-7386
- Start an online chat with a Trevor counselor
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network: Working to transform mental health for queer and trans Black, Indigenous and People of Color (QTBIPOC).
- Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN): National network of educators and individuals focused on ensuring LGBTQ+ students can learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.
- Human Rights Campaign: The largest civil rights organization in the United States working to ensure LGBTQIA+ equality.
Sources:
https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQ
https://www.mhanational.org/lgbtq/pride
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-importance-of-prioritizing-mental-health-for-the-lgbtq-community/
https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/12/lgbt-adults-report-anxiety-depression-at-all-ages.html
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/lgbtqia-mental-health/about-lgbtqia-mental-health/
https://www.mhanational.org/issues/lgbtq-communities-and-mental-health
1Platt, L. F., Wolf, J. K., & Scheitle, C. P. (2018). Patterns of mental health care utilization among sexual orientation minority groups. Journal of Homosexuality, 65(2), 135-153