The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and others (LGBTQ+) community faces disproportionate mental health challenges compared to the general population.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), LGB adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition. Transgender individuals are nearly four times as likely as cisgender individuals (people whose gender identity corresponds with their birth sex) to experience a mental health condition. Understanding the unique stressors this community faces is vital to promoting mental wellness.
Factors Contributing to LGBTQ+ Mental Health Challenges
Minority Stress
The minority stress model proposes that sexual and gender minorities experience chronic stress related to their stigmatized identities, putting LGBTQ+ people at higher risk for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Sources of minority stress include:
- Discrimination
- Rejection
- Internalized homophobia
- Concealing one’s identity
Social Stigma and Rejection
Frequently, LGBTQ+ individuals experience rejection, bullying, and lack of understanding from family, friends, faith communities, and society. Rejection from loved ones and culture erodes support systems and contributes to poor mental health.
- Up to 40% of the 4.2 million youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+
- Half of LGBTQ+ students report feeling unsafe at school due to bullying
Limited Access to Healthcare
Many LGBTQ+ people face additional barriers to accessing quality, culturally competent healthcare. Without safe, understanding care, many avoid seeking help, worsening conditions that could be treated.
Many LGBTQ+ people face additional barriers to accessing quality, culturally competent healthcare. Without safe, understanding care, many avoid seeking help, worsening conditions that could be treated.
- Nearly one in five transgender people report being refused medical care due to bias.
- Only 16% of LGBTQ+ adults say all their healthcare providers know their orientation.
Steps to Improve LGBTQ+ Well-Being
Promoting LGBTQ+ mental health requires reducing societal stigma and increasing access to quality care. Individuals can also take steps to boost resilience:
- Connect with the LGBTQ+ community for support and understanding.
- Work to build self-acceptance around sexual/gender identity.
- Develop healthy coping mechanisms like exercise, meditation, and therapy.
- Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion
With compassion and understanding, we can create a society where all people feel accepted and empowered to thrive.
Count on RADIAS Health
RADIAS Health provides person-centered integrated healthcare services to people experiencing mental illness, substance use, or co-occurring disorders. Compassionate, skilled health care and support staff deliver our behavioral health services. In addition, our care includes supplementary services such as case management, supportive housing, homeless services, residential services, outpatient DBT treatment, and more.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our mission, contact us today or consider donating!