lgbtq+
LGBTQ individuals are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts, and many struggle silently due to a lack of social and family support.
Many still face discrimination, prejudice, harassment, rejection from family, and denial of human and civil rights. This correlates to the LGBTQ+ community experiencing higher rates of mental health disorders, substance abuse, and suicide.
In many states, it is still legal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The resulting discrimination and violence that LGBTQ+ individuals regularly experience contributes to poor mental health outcomes.
Many still face discrimination, prejudice, harassment, rejection from family, and denial of human and civil rights. This correlates to the LGBTQ+ community experiencing higher rates of mental health disorders, substance abuse, and suicide.
In many states, it is still legal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The resulting discrimination and violence that LGBTQ+ individuals regularly experience contributes to poor mental health outcomes.
statistics:
- High school students who identify as LGBTQ+ are almost 5 times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers
- LGB adults are more than 2 times as likely to experience a mental health condition than heterosexual adults
- 30-65% of transgender adults experience suicidal ideation
- A study found that transgender children whose families affirmed their gender identity were as psychologically healthy as their non-transgender peers
- Strong family bonds, safe schools, and support from caring adults can protect LGBTQ+ youth from depression and suicide
To change these statistics and help decrease the number of LGBTQ+ individuals who attempt suicide, greater knowledge, support, and federal political protections for the LGBTQ+ community is critical and necessary.
barriers to treatment:
- More than 50% of LGBTQ individuals surveyed reported being denied care due to their sexual orientation or gender identity
- Quality of mental health treatment may be lower due to stigmas, lack of sensitivity, and discrimination
- Individuals who hide their sexuality out of fear of discrimination are at a higher risk for psychological distress
support:
Addressing mental health challenges with an LGBTQ-inclusive therapist leads to better outcomes. A directory to locate LGBTQ-inclusive heath care providers can be found at: glma.org
The Trevor Project is the national leader in offering crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth: thetrevorproject.org
The Trevor Project is the national leader in offering crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth: thetrevorproject.org
sources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness: www.nami.org
Mental Health America: mentalhealthamerica.net
Human Rights Campaign Foundation: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Mental Health America: mentalhealthamerica.net
Human Rights Campaign Foundation: suicidepreventionlifeline.org