The LGBTQIA+ community faces unique mental health concerns, many of which have to do with systemic issues. They are twice as likely to experience a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, and LGBTQIA+ youth are at an increasingly high risk for suicidal behavior.
These mental health concerns intersect with the many socioeconomic, cultural, and racial barriers impacting the LGBTQIA+ population. Stigma, prejudice, and political injustice- along with issues related to family rejection, workplace harassment, and dating struggles- are all factors that can affect one's well-being.
Understanding Risk Factors of LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
LGBTQIA+ mental health isn't a one-size-fits-all paradigm. Every individual is inherently unique, and it's misguided to assume that one person's experience represents the entire population.
With that in mind, there are some pervasive mental health struggles globally affecting many LGBTQIA+ youth and adults:
Social and Interpersonal Rejection
Nearly everyone within the LGBT and transgender communities can describe at least one incident of feeling shamed or ostracized. Sometimes this rejection is outwardly obvious. But it can also be covert, chronic, and challenging to define.
For instance, the process of coming out can be traumatic, and it can lead to issues like bullying, harassment, and alienation from peers or family. Even if others present as supportive, there can still be a pervasive fear of judgment.
Throughout the lifespan, LGBTQIA+ community members risk facing discrimination in various domains, from healthcare settings to the workplace to dating. And despite our strides in civil and human rights, we still have an incredibly long way to go.
Substance Abuse
Drugs and alcohol often represent a way to self-medicate mental health symptoms. Research shows, however, that LGB adults are 2x as likely as heterosexual adults to have a substance use disorder, and transgender adults are 4x as likely. Similar trends are also seen with LGB youth and nonbinary youth.
Substance misuse is a complicated issue, and treatment isn't always straightforward. When treating substance problems, it's important to also consider co-occurring mental health conditions and other environmental factors.
Suicide
High school students within this community are 4x more likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual youth. 40% of transgender adults indicate they have attempted suicide at some point during their lifetime (compared to 5% of the general population).
Suicide is an extremely complex issue that doesn't necessarily have a single risk factor. However, it's likely that the combination of mental health concerns, trauma, and feelings of rejection drive this devastating epidemic.
Research shows that suicide prevention often requires multifaceted support, including increased accessibility to mental health treatment, stable and supportive environments, and careful safety planning.
Therapy for LGBTQIA+ Support and Mental Health Challenges
Research shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary people seek out therapy at higher rates than their heterosexual peers. However, it's important to find a qualified therapist who specializes in the right care.
Exploring Your Sexual Orientation, Sexual Identity, or Gender Identity
These parts of your identity do not define you, but they are certainly part of you, and they can be a source of significant joy- or immense distress.
Many people enter therapy because they experience ambivalence or fears about these parts of themselves. For example, you might not know how to identify your sexual orientation or gender despite feeling pressured to do so. Or, you may feel a sense of assurance with your identity, but you struggle to accept who you are.
Therapy provides a supportive environment to explore these emotions and needs. You deserve to work with a professional who truly understands who you are and can provide you with impactful guidance.
Treating Mental Health Issues
Whether you experience anxiety, depression, trauma, or some other form of distress, therapy can help you better understand your symptoms and improve your emotional well-being.
Mental illness is never your fault, but you can feel empowered in your recovery. In therapy, you will learn new coping skills and receive professional support to appropriately manage difficult situations. In turn, this can help improve your relationships and overall sense of functioning.
Affirmative Support
Affirmative support refers to therapy that actively advocates the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. Affirmative therapy prioritizes creating an inclusive practice for all members.
Therapists specializing in affirmative therapy rigorously educate themselves on the nuances of sexual orientation, gender expression, and the overarching needs of the LGBTQIA+ population. They support clients in achieving designated mental health goals while also empowering them within their identities.
This type of therapy can be beneficial for LGBTQIA+ individuals of all ages, and it can also be helpful for families, parents, and couples.
Final Thoughts
If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, we are here for you. Mental health care should be accessible and effective to everyone who needs treatment. Regardless of your specific struggles, we are here to support you unconditionally.