Making LGBTQ+ mental health a priority during and beyond Pride Month this June

Each June, Pride Month is celebrated by the LGBTQ+ community, embracing the expression of identity, and honoring the incredible contributions LGBTQ+ individuals have made throughout history. This month empowers individuals to advocate for equality and raise awareness for the discrimination they have faced. The parties, festivals, parades, and events are opportunities for people to connect with other like-minded individuals.

While there is much to celebrate, unfortunately, LGBTQ+ individuals still face stigma and discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Pride Month can be an opportunity to investigate how the stigma affecting the mental health of the LGBTQ+ community can be addressed.

LGBTQ+ mental health statistics

Research shows that the LGBTQ+ population struggles disproportionately with mental illness and suicide. According to the American Psychiatry Association, “Sexual minority individuals (lesbian/gay and bisexual) are more likely than straight individuals to have had any mental illness in the past year and more than twice as likely to have had a serious mental illness, according to a government report (from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) that has now been deleted from the website), sexual minority males and female adults were more than twice as likely as straight males and females to have had serious thoughts of suicide or to have attempted suicide.”

Disparities in LGBTQ+ Mental Health

In addition, Mental Health America reports research suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide.  Personal, family, and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and personal safety of LGBT individuals.

Another barrier that many face is being unable to afford care. A study from UCLA found that 17% of cisgender and genderqueer sexual minority adults have experienced homelessness in their lifetime, which is twice what is seen in the general population. Between a high rate of homelessness and a common lack of a good support system, the economic strain of accessing quality mental health resources can be especially challenging.

Those who are able to afford care still may run into barriers, such as finding an affirming provider. Because homophobia and discrimination are unfortunately still prevalent in society today, LGBTQ+ people may run into these when seeking mental healthcare. Members of this community may feel ashamed or fearful about opening up about their mental health concerns if they perceive that their provider will not be accepting of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Even if a provider is inclusive and able to provide a stigma-free environment, they may not be culturally competent or experienced in treating LGBTQ+ mental health issues (such as internalized homophobia, the fear of coming out, and trauma and substance abuse).

Factors Contributing to Mental Health Challenges

A Pride-focused booklet created by the Greater Lowell (MA) Health Alliance notes that “LGBQ&T+ (sic) populations are at a higher risk for mental health disparities due to several factors, including fear, shame, discrimination, trauma, stereotypes, and rejection, among others. For those who belong to multiple marginalized groups—such as a Lesbian BIPOC woman—the risk is even greater. Some LGBQ&T+ individuals often face limited employment opportunities, avoid seeking both mental and physical healthcare due to fear, and struggle with other social determinants of health.

The Role of Support Systems

Family and friends can play a valuable role in supporting the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely than others to experience mental health challenges.

APA’s Psychiatry.org article  says, “A supportive and welcoming environment can make a big difference. For example, LGBTQ+ young people who had access to affirming homes, schools, communities and online spaces reported lower rates of attempting suicide compared to those who did not, according to the Trevor Project report. Affirming gender identity among transgender and nonbinary young people is also associated with lower rates of attempting suicide.

Tips For Providing Support

Here is how to provide mental health support to LGBTQ+ people:

• Learn about LGBTQ+ issues and mental health warning signs: Take the time to understand LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and challenges. Educate yourself about the warning signs of mental illness.
• Listen actively and with compassion: Communicate openly and listen to their experiences, feelings, and concerns without judgment. Let them know they are heard and supported. Let them know you are there for them — offer unconditional support. Consider your own assumptions and biases.
• Respect their identity: Respect the identity of LGBTQ+ people in your life; affirm how they choose to live and use their chosen gender pronouns.
• Help create a safe and accepting environment: Foster an atmosphere of acceptance, love, and support within your family or social circle. Help to educate and inform others.
• Support their access to mental health resources when needed: Connect them to supportive networks, social groups or mentors in the LGBTQ+ community. If you see signs of distress, reach out to offer help and support. Help them connect to LGBTQ+-friendly mental health resources.

Year-Round Mental Health Advocacy

The Greater Lowell booklet says it all: “A community brings like-minded individuals together who share similar identities. It creates belonging and security while allowing collaboration. A support system is so important, especially for LGBQ&T+ people to see and understand that they are not alone in this world. Pride serves as an opportunity to find new relationships, friendships, and a social network, creating a sense of belonging. Knowing you have a place in this world where you are seen and valued provides a fulfilling sense of security.

In a world where LGBQ&T+ people have faced discrimination and cruelty, knowing and seeing you have a community with others like you can be a means to positively affect mental health and wellness.”

Being an ally and a supportive friend to LGBTQ+ people throughout their journey of self-discovery and acceptance can be simple:

• Ask about their preferred pronouns and use those pronouns in writing, when speaking to them and when referring to them
• Provide an affirming, safe space for individuals to talk about their hopes, dreams and fears
• Get involved when you see someone being bullied or discriminated against
• Stand against legislation that impedes on their rights
• Normalize conversations about how a lack of societal acceptance and lack of affirming spaces affects LGBTQ+ mental health
• Share mental health resources and encourage them to seek professional help when necessary
• Educate yourself on the struggles they face and how you can help make a difference

And above all, just be kind to others. According to an article on the Mayo Clinic website, “Kindness has been shown to increase s

elf-esteem, empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a stress hormone, which directly impacts stress levels. People who give of themselves in a balanced way also tend to be healthier and live longer.”

There are many great resources out there to help the LGBTQ+ community in their mental wellness journey. Patients and clinicians alike can find resources to learn about mental health issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community and how to help on the GeneSight LGBTQ+ web page.

For more online resources on LGBTQ+ mental health, check out these blog posts:

https://genesight.com/blog/patient/lgbtq-youth-and-mental-health/

https://genesight.com/blog/patient/its-critical-to-talk-about-lgbtq-mental-health/

https://genesight.com/blog/patient/pride-month-seeking-better-lgbtq-mental-health/

https://genesight.com/blog/patient/transgender-mental-health/