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.
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?
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.
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 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.
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:
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.
Bostwick WB, et al. (2010). Dimensions of sexual orientation and the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders in the United States. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2820045/
Bostwick WB, et al. (2014). Discrimination and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144327/
Camp J, et al. (2020). LGBQ+ self-acceptance and its relationship with minority stressors and mental health: A systematic literature review. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7497468/
Moagi MM, et al. (2021). Mental health challenges of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people: An integrated literature review. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7876969/