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LGBTQ + Mental Health

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning + (LGBTQ+) Americans are at risk of experiencing mental health symptoms due to personal, cultural, and community factors. Fortunately, numerous LGBTQ+ mental health resources are available to anyone facing challenges.

LGBTQ+ and the Mental Health Crisis

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, members of the LGBTQ+ community, including LGBTQ+ youth, are twice as likely to experience mental health issues as their heterosexual peers. Additionally, transgender people are four times more likely to develop a mental health condition.

A person’s mental health affects all areas of their life, including their personal relationships, career, education, and social life. It is crucial to take the necessary steps to maintain positive mental health, enabling you to achieve success in the most critical areas of your life.

Risk Factors for LGBTQ+ Mental Health Conditions

Risk factors for mental health conditions are the biological, psychological, and social situations and events that make it more probable that someone will develop a mental health condition.

Mental health issues in the LGBTQ+ community share some risk factors with heterosexual individuals, such as:

  • Traumatic childhood experiences
  • Drug and alcohol misuse
  • Living in an unhealthy environment
  • Family history of mental illness
  • Chronic illness
  • Poor sleep
  • Poor diet or nutrition
  • Lack of stable housing

In addition to these, LGBTQ+ individuals may have unique risk factors such as social isolation, lack of support, and lack of appropriate healthcare to meet their individual needs. They may also experience increased instances of bullying and peer pressure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the following statistics about LGBTQ+ students compared to heterosexual or cisgender students:

  • 29% of LGBTQ+ students have been bullied at school, compared to 16% of heterosexual students.
  • 15% of LGBTQ+ students have used illicit drugs, compared to 8% of heterosexual students.
  • 41% of LGBTQ+ students seriously considered suicide, compared to 13% of heterosexual students.
  • 65% of LGBTQ+ students have felt sad or hopeless, compared to13% of heterosexual students.
  • 17% of LGBTQ+ students had been forced to have sex, compared to 6% of heterosexual students.
  • 18% of LGBTQ+ students had misused prescription opioids, compared to 8% of heterosexual students.

Risk factors like these contribute to poor mental and physical health, which are directly connected. Adverse health outcomes impact a person’s relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life.

Risks to LGBTQ+ Community Members

LGBTQ+ community members face unique challenges that cause some to feel like they can’t truly be themselves in various situations. They risk being treated poorly by people in school, at work, at home, and in social settings.

Emotional Distress

Emotional distress among LGBTQ+ individuals can include suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, depression, and anxiety. Someone may have been physically or sexually abused, or they may have been victimized by someone they know. Some tend to internalize the negative social views, like homophobia and rejection, making them more likely to conceal their identity and avoid coming out.

How society treats LGBTQ+ individuals has a massive impact on their mental health. Hate crimes and violent acts toward them lead to fear and anxiety, depression, and social isolation. This type of stress can lead to someone misusing drugs and alcohol to cope. Some may even consider suicide. Unfortunately, some LGBTQ+ individuals refuse to seek mental health treatment out of fear of being stigmatized, discriminated against, or victimized.

Stigma

Stigma involves labeling, stereotyping, separation, loss of status, and discrimination, typically perpetrated by someone who holds power. Stigma can be shown overtly, by visible responses of prejudice and discrimination. Or it may be covertly shown through written policies and procedures.

Stigma is one of the main reasons those in the LGBTQ+ community do not seek the help they deserve. They may fear the reactions of the people they encounter.

Victimization

Victimization includes acts of violence that are physically and psychologically harmful. Examples include harassment and bullying, which can cause some to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many people become socially isolated out of fear of being a victim. This affects their ability to work, go to school, and maintain healthy relationships.

Discrimination

Discrimination occurs when a person in the LGBTQ+ community is mistreated simply for being themselves. They are given prejudicial treatment based on their sexual orientation. Although it is illegal, they may also be discriminated against based on their race, gender, or age.

LGBTQ+ individuals who experience discrimination have higher stress levels, sadness, anger, and substance abuse. Their mental health suffers, and many develop depressive and anxiety-related disorders.

LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health

Because LGBTQ+ youth have higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts, support for LGBTQ+ mental health must become a priority, especially within the education system, where youth spend much of their day. State policies suggest schools improve the following to reduce mental health concerns of LGBTQ+ youth:

  • Inclusion strategies
  • Clubs for LGBTQ+ students
  • Gender sexuality alliances
  • LGBTQ+-inclusive curriculum
  • Connection with peers
  • Anti-bullying policies and programs
  • LGBTQ+ mental health resources

LGBTQ+ youth need physical and psychological support for LGBTQ+ mental health at school and in their community. Giving them access to resources can lower the rates of mental illness.

Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders in the LGBTQ+ Community

The 2024 U.S. National Survey on Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People asked more than 18,000 individuals between 13 and 24 about their mental health. Researchers found the following:

  • 39% seriously considered suicide in the past year.
  • 12% attempted suicide in the past year.
  • 49% experienced bullying in the past year.
  • 66% reported symptoms of anxiety.
  • 53% reported symptoms of depression.
  • 84% want mental health care.
  • 50% did not access mental health care.

Sadly, the main reason for not accessing LGBTQ+ mental health care was that they were afraid to talk about their mental health concerns with someone.

The American Psychiatric Association reports that there are 9 million LGBTQ+ adults in America. They report that LGBTQ+ adults are 2.5 times more likely to have depression, anxiety, and misuse substances than heterosexuals. Additionally, bisexual and transgender individuals have higher rates of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Mental health care is available for all youth and adults in the LGBTQ+ community. Accessing these resources can change the statistics and save lives.

Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ+ Communities

There are mental health resources for LGBTQ+ communities at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as groups that can provide the help you need and deserve. Some of them include:

If you are looking for mental health treatment, contact a local mental health or behavioral health center. You may also want to contact individual therapists or counselors. Ask friends, family, and coworkers for referrals. They may know a therapist who can help you improve your mental health. The key is to find a therapist who specializes in working with the LGBTQ+ community since the issues can be quite different.

Finding Treatment

When seeking an LGBTQ+ treatment professional, consider contacting local LGBTQ+ community centers, clubs, health centers, social organizations, and affirming worship centers for guidance. They likely have a list of local resources to help you find the right help.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions when talking to a treatment provider. Examples to consider include:

  • What experience do you have working with the LGBTQ+ community?
  • What are your credentials?
  • What treatment methods do you use?

The answers to questions like these will help you determine how well the provider understands the specific mental health issues in the LGBTQ+ community. The one with the most knowledge and who makes you feel comfortable is the one to try first.

Fortunately, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders are very treatable, and many people see improvements after the first treatment. Reach out today and start your journey to better mental health.

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