Mental Health and the LGBTQ+ Communities

The LGBTQ+ community, which also goes by other names, is a diverse group of people with a range of gender identities and sexual orientations. Adding to this diversity is the fact that they come from all walks of life. They represent every socioeconomic status, ethnic background, race, religion, and more.

All of this makes it a strong, diverse community with many unique perspectives that offers support to a lot of individuals. Yet, despite this, many people face discrimination and hate, from acquaintances, the media, politicians, and even their own family members.

Many people who identify with this community find strength and support in it, but the statistics show that this isn’t always enough. Members of the LGBTQ+ population are at greater risk for mental health issues.

• Lesbian, gay, or bisexual adults are two times as likely as heterosexual adults to have a mental illness.
• They are at an especially higher risk for anxiety disorders, depression, and substance use disorders.
• Transgender people are four times as likely as cisgender individuals to have a mental illness.
• Nearly half of the adult transgender population has thought about suicide as compared to 4% overall in the U.S.
• The risks are even more severe for teens. LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely than their peers to have depression.
• LGBTQ+ teens are more than two times as likely to contemplate suicide and four times more likely to attempt suicide.

There are many reasons that people who identify as LGBTQ+ are at greater risk for mental health symptoms and struggle with mental illness at higher rates. The primary underlying reason is that they feel different and unaccepted for who they are. Because of this, they are often marginalized in society, in their local communities, at school or work, and within their families.

Coming out is a particularly stressful and fraught time, when an individual, often a young person, isn’t sure how people will react. The anticipation can cause significant anxiety and stress. If they come out in an unsupportive environment, the repercussions can be serious for their mental health.

Young people in the LGBTQ+ community experience a lot of rejection and discrimination. A survey from 2019 found that 86% reported being harassed or even assaulted at school. Adults aren’t immune to rejection either. Another survey found that 40% of LGBTQ+ adults were rejected by a friend or family member after coming out. This rejection, discrimination, and has consequences for mental health.

Trauma is a major source of mental illness for many people of all genders and orientations. LGBTQ+ individuals may be at a greater risk for experiencing trauma. Assaults, rejection, harassment, hate crimes, and other actions can be traumatic, leading to later mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

LGBTQ+ individuals are at greater risk for other life experiences and health problems that contribute to mental health. For instance, LGBTQ+ youth are much more likely than their peers to experience homelessness. Adults and young people both are more likely to use drugs or alcohol to cope, which in turn can lead to an addiction and worsening mental health symptoms.

An additional reason that members of the LGBTQ+ community struggle more with mental health might be that they are less likely to get professional care. Statistics show that 10% report delaying treatment or care because of discrimination from healthcare workers. Among transgender individuals, this is higher, at 23%.

If you struggle with the idea of going to see a doctor or therapist because of your gender identity or sexual orientation, enlist a trusted friend or family member to help. Offer to be a support to a loved one as they seek professional care. Tackling it together can reduce the anxiety and stress of the situation.

Look for recommendations for an LGBTQ+ friendly professional. Some doctors and therapists advertise this. Many insurers now also list LGBTQ+ as a search parameter to help you find professionals with relevant competency and experience.

You can also ask friends and members of your local community to suggest someone they trust. If anything about the service a healthcare facility offers you makes you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome, you have every right to walk away and find help elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about a doctor’s experience. All patients should advocate for their health and wellness.