Unfortunately, recent studies show that LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to struggle with mental health than heterosexual individuals.
Out of the nearly 35,000 LGBTQIA+ members polled in a recent study:
61% Are Depressed
45% Have PTSD
36% Have Anxiety
Additionally, 42% of nonbinary and trans individuals indicated that they have seriously contemplated taking their lives in the past 12 months; this is nearly nine times greater than the overall rate in the United States.
Statistics courtesy of the Trevor Project 1
Mental health is not only an issue in the LGBTQIA+ community and doesn’t have a different set of triggers than heterosexual ones. Trauma, pressure from society or family, extreme loneliness or feelings of not belonging, stress, and much more can all impact someone’s mental health and wellbeing.
Pride is not only a celebration; it also serves as a space where people in the LGBTQIA+ community can connect.
This concept helps reduce isolation, create a sense of family, and allow those suffering from various mental health issues to connect with others who might share a similar story. In addition, the LGBTQIA+ community celebrates the rich history of all the community’s accomplishments over the years through Pride. It also embraces diversity and promotes the inclusion of all people, ideas, and viewpoints.
This type of community fosters positive mental health, sharing of struggles while celebrating triumphs, and a sense of belonging. It’s a loving, open space where all are welcome, accepted, and validates that we all deserve to experience love.
What you can do to support the LGBTQIA+ people in your life despite the obstacles; as help can come in many forms.
Sharing Your Story:
A great way to show support to those struggling is by sharing your own stories about your mental health struggles to reduce the stigma of asking for help. It doesn’t matter if you identify as heterosexual or as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community; the more individuals who normalize discussing emotional health and seeking assistance, the more likely others will feel comfortable speaking up and asking for help as well.
Be Respectful:
You can be genuine and curious without being invasive and rude. Ask open-ended questions and take the person’s lead on which terms to use and how much they openly. Ask people about their preferred pronouns, and make a point to use them correctly. If you make a mistake or ask something uncomfortable, apologize and don’t pressure the individual or bring it up later.
Be An Ally For LGBTQIA+:
Educate yourself on the LGBTQIA+ community to better understand the community’s struggles. Get involved in community efforts and vote for officials who advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Encourage Seeking Help:
As much as we all want to help, sometimes it’s time for a healthcare professional to step in. Realizing when that time is and encouraging seeking professional help can make a big difference in someone’s life. A healthcare professional can prescribe medications such as fluoxetine or sertraline to help with anxiety and depression or recommend the individual to a specialist. 2
We are on a mission to improve mental health for all.
Here at GeniusRx, we believe better mental health should be available to all. That’s why we work hard to provide affordable FDA-approved medications that help anyone and everyone improve their quality of life. We also offer fast and free delivery to your home so you can start feeling better sooner.
Contact us today or visit our website for more information.
Data and information from:
(1) The Trevor Project (2) WebMD
