LGBTQIA+ Community
People in the LGBTQIA+ community can face unique mental health challenges. In keeping with our mission to expand mental health care access to everyone, Psychiatric Associates does not discriminate against members of the LGBTQIA+ community or their families.
While belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community can be a source of strength, it also brings unique challenges. For those who identify as LGBTQIA+, it’s important to recognize how your experience of sexual orientation and gender identity relates to your mental health.
LGBTQ individuals are more than twice as likely as heterosexual men and women to have a mental health disorder in their lifetime. They are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance misuse compared with heterosexual individuals.
Why do members of the LGBTQIA+ community have more mental health concerns?
Members of the LGBTQAI+ community may:
- Have to cope with stigma, trauma, rejection, discrimination, or violence
- Have negative feelings about themselves because of their sexual orientation or gender identity
- Feel isolated or lonely
- Feel that they must hide their sexual orientation or gender identity
What are the most common LGBTQIA+ mental health issues?
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse
- Thinking about or attempting suicide
Rejection, isolation, bullying, and safety issues can all conspire to make it more difficult for LGBTQIA+ youth to feel safe and supported. This can result in mental health issues and may account for the higher rates among those in LGBTQIA+ communities.
Connect With a Therapist
Confronting mental health symptoms with an LGBTQIA+ inclusive mental health provider can lead to better outcomes, and ultimately recovery. A therapist can help you decide which steps make sense for you, diagnose any co-occurring mental health conditions, and cope with the pushback you may receive from unaccepting people.
