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Mental health in the LGBTQ+ community

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DiscriminationDepressionAnxietyLow self-esteemSupport for LGBTQ+ youthSupport for LGBTQ+ adultsSummary
The LGBTQ+ community has a higher rate of anxiety and depression. This could be due to increased challenges such as discrimination and stigma faced by LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
Medically reviewed by Francis Kuehnle, MSN, RN-BC
Written by Suan Pineda
Updated on

The LGBTQ+ community has an increased rate of developing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. This can be caused by discrimination, a lack of family acceptance, and verbal and physical abuse.

Read on to learn how these issues can affect the LGBTQ+ community, the mental health conditions they can lead to, and the resources available to help youth and adults.

How can discrimination impact LGBTQ+ mental health?

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Discrimination plays a strong role in the development of mental health conditions in LGBTQ+ people. According to a 2015 study, discrimination due to your race and sexual preference may lead to excess stress, which could contribute to higher rates of mental health conditions among the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ people are 1.5 to 2 times more likely than heterosexual people to experience anxiety and mood disorders. A 2022 survey showed that 65% of LGBTQ+ youth reported discrimination due to their sexual orientation. 

Furthermore, discrimination in the form of legislation presents an added stressor among the LGBTQ+ community. A 2022 poll shows that 2 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth reported a negative impact on their mental health due to debates on legislation affecting the transgender community. 

These stressors and a lack of family acceptance and stigma can lead to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Depression

Depression is prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among youth. In 2022, a survey by The Trevor Project found that 58% of LGBTQ+ youth reported experiencing symptoms of depression. Among those, 61% of youth between the ages of 13 to 17 reported experiencing depressive symptoms, compared to 53% of young adults ages 18 to 24.

Symptoms of depression can include:

  • hopelessness
  • a feeling of constant sadness
  • a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • fatigue
  • trouble concentrating
  • loss of appetite
  • physical pain

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, there are several treatment options that can help. Consider speaking to a healthcare professional to determine what may be best for you.

Treatment for depression includes:

  • Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one of the most commonly prescribed forms of antidepressants. Examples include fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Therapy: Several forms of therapy can help with symptoms of depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
  • Mindfulness: Practices such as yoga and journaling can be beneficial toward decreasing symptoms.
  • Eating a balanced diet: A healthy diet can help you to manage symptoms of depression.

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Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition to affect the global population and one of the most prevalent to affect the LGBTQ+ community. Among LGBTQ+ youth, 73% reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Similar to the figures for depression, more LGBTQ+ teenagers experience anxiety than LGBTQ+ young adults.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

Treatment for anxiety includes:

  • Medication: Medication for anxiety can include antidepressants such as benzodiazepines and beta-blockers
  • Therapy: There are different types of therapy that can help you manage anxiety, such as CBT and DBT.
  • Lifestyle measures: Methods to reduce stress, such as physical activity, yoga, and meditation, can help you manage symptoms of anxiety.
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Low self-esteem

The LGBTQ+ community is more likely to develop low self-esteem, which is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and social withdrawal.

A survey from 2018 found that 70% of LGBTQ youth reported feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.

Low self-esteem can be caused by the following:

  • bullying
  • physical and verbal abuse
  • family and societal rejection

Lower self-acceptance of one’s sexuality is also linked to poor mental health. 

Support for LGBTQ+ youth

LGBTQ+ youth who received support from their families, school, and workplace had a lower rate of suicidal thoughts and suicide. According to The Trevor Project’s 2022 survey on youth mental health, access to care is vital. About 82% of the participants said they wanted mental health care, but of those, 60% couldn’t access care. 

LGBTQ+ youth can find support through various organizations and online resources. This includes:

  • The Trevor Project: This organization offers support for LGBTQ+ youth. You can contact The Trevor Project online, by phone (1-866-488-7386), or via text (write START to 678678). 
  • The LGBT National Hotline: The LGBT National Hotline is available for people of all ages. You can call them at 888-843-4564.
  • The LGBT National Youth Talkline: The LGBT National Youth Talkline provides support for LGBTQ+ youth younger than 25 years. You can call  ​800-246-7743.

Other online organizations and support groups include:

Support for LGBTQ+ adults

Support from within the LGBTQ+ community, family, and workplace is integral for the well-being of LBGTQ+ people, no matter their age. 

LBGTQ+ adults can find support through advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations.

Some groups that offer resources and support for the LGBTQ+ community include:

Summary

LGBTQ+ people experience a higher rate of discrimination and life stressors, which can lead to an increased rate of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. 

Support from the community in general, as well as from family, coworkers, schools, and workplaces are vital to the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth and adults. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, there are many treatment options that can help. Consider speaking to a healthcare professional to determine what may be best for you.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

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