Take PRIDE In Your Mental Health*

The LGBTQIA+ community faces disproportionate rates of mental health conditions in comparison to the general population. Studies show that 1 in 3 LGBTQIA+ adults face mental health challenges, in comparison to 1 in 5 adults in the general population.

These mental health challenges come from a wide range of factors, both internal and external, and of course vary person to person, but typically include:

• Feelings of shame, isolation, confusion, and dysphoria
• Rejection by family, friends, and the general community
• Homelessness as a result of rejection by family or loved ones
• Lack of support system or an accepting environment
• Physical, verbal, or sexual harassment and abuse
• Inadequate medical and psychiatric healthcare
• Conflicting religious or spiritual beliefs
• Fear of being “outed” as well as the consequences of being “out”

Improving Mental Health in Your Community

Allies – non-LGBTQIA+ people who are advocates and active supporters of the community – are crucial to helping offset the disproportionate rates of mental health challenges in the LGBTQIA+ community. Allies can help in ways such as:

• Educating themselves on LGBTQIA+ terminology and history
• Fostering genuine relationships with LGBTQIA+ people in their lives
• Intervening in situations of harassment or discrimination
• Using LGBTQIA+ people’s pronouns and names correctly
• Exemplifying basic acceptance of LGBTQIA+ people’s identities and acknowledging their individual struggles

Research shows a strong connection between identity and mental health. A 2020 survey by The Trevor Project reported 82% of LGBTQIA+ youth with at least one supportive person in their life, as well as access to a space they felt accepted, were 50% less likely to attempt suicide. By simply being welcoming and accepting of the LGBTQIA+ people in our lives, we take the first step to helping improve mental health in the community.

Mental Health Stats in the LGBTQIA+ Community
• LGBTQIA+ people are twice as likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Trans and Non-binary people are four times as likely.
• LGBTQIA+ adults are twice as likely to attempt suicide, and risk for youths are four times higher than their peers. Trans suicide attempts are estimated at 40%, compared to 5% in the general population.

Resources for LGBTQIA+ People

Remember – you are never alone! Countless organizations across the world are recognizing the importance of providing mental health resources for LGBTQIA+ adults and youth. A few examples include:

• The Trevor Project: Providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ people
• Audre Lorde Project: LGBTQIA+ People of Color community organizing center
• It Gets Better Project: Uplifting, empowering, and connecting LGBTQIA+ youth around the globe

Pride is about love, joy, and community: three essential keys to wellness! Let us come together, LGBTQIA+ people and allies, to celebrate our likeness as well as our differences. When we care for ourselves and each other, we create a world in which everyone can take pride in their mental health.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lgbt-youth-and-mental-health#anxiety
https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQI
https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Suicide-Risk-and-Prevention-for-LGBTQ-Patients-Brief.pdf
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lgbtqia-and-depression
https://www.mhanational.org/issues/lgbtq-communities-and-mental-health