According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), lesbian, gay and bisexual (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 to experience a mental health condition.
Concerns
People who identify as LGBTQIA+ are more likely to develop problems such as:
Depression
Anxiety, including social anxiety
Low self-esteem
Eating disorders
Substance use
Self-harm
Suicidal feelings
Impact
Being LGBTQIA+ does not cause mental health concerns, but members of the community face issues that impact mental health, including:
Emotional distress
Stigmatization
Victimization
Discrimination
Barriers to accessing healthcare services
Support matters
The American Psychiatric Association found that having supportive family, friends and allies can play a valuable role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals. Having support can sometimes literally be the difference between life and death for someone who may be struggling. Here are some ways to engage and be of assistance:
Learn about LGBTQ+ issues experiences and challenges
Educate yourself on the warning signs of mental illness, including suicide risks
Listen actively and compassionately
Respect their identity by using their gender pronouns and correct language
Create a safe and accepting environment
Connect them to supportive services, social groups or LGBTQ+-friendly mental health resources
Assistance
Finding help for mental health concerns can be a challenge for those identifying as LGBTQ+. Here are some resources available nationwide, including:
