LGBTQI+ Youth and Mental Health
People from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI+) community are at risk for experiencing discrimination, negative stereotypes, shame, rejection, and traumatic events and experiences.
According to Mental Health America, over 39% of the LGBTQI+ community has reported having a mental illness during the last year. The research also shows that LGBTQI+ youth have the most struggles with mental health concerns. In studies conducted by Mental Health America:
57% of LGBTQ+ people say that they or an LGBTQ+ friend or family member have been threatened or non-sexually harassed.
51% have been sexually harassed or experienced violence because of their sexuality or gender identity.
LGBTQ+ teens are 6 times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ identifying teens.
LGBTQ+ youth are more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and over 4 times as likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual youth.
Members of the community also have difficulty finding intersectional mental health care. Some providers approach treatment through the lens of stigma. They may lack cultural sensitivity and be reluctant to address sexuality when providing mental health services.
Understanding the Struggle of Young LGBTQI+ People
Adolescence is a period that is full of challenges for young people. Their energies are pulled in so many directions. They are grappling with many pressures as well, which include but are not limited to:
Body image and self-esteem
Fitting in, social acceptance
Academics
Sex
Sports
Bullying
Peer pressure
Social life
Family
Climate change
The situation of the country/world
Identity
When gender identity and sexual orientation is added to the above list, it can be even more challenging for a teenager to navigate. As the statistics listed above demonstrate, this is a delicate and crucial time for LGBTQI+ adolescents.
Coming out is a pivotal moment for LGBTQI+ youth. This process can be stressful and emotionally taxing, often leading to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Fear of rejection, bullying, and social isolation may exacerbate these mental health concerns.
Gender dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is the distress a person feels due to a disconnect or mismatch between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. Along with interfering with daily life, this sense of unease can cause anxiety, depression, and issues with self-worth.
Gender identity refers to an individual's sense of their own gender, which may be different from the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender identity encompasses the internal experience of being male, female, or non-binary. Understanding the distinction between gender identity and assigned sex is crucial in comprehending the experiences of individuals with gender dysphoria.
Symptoms of gender dysphoria include:
Emotional distress
Depression
Anxiety
Negative self-image
A strong dislike of one’s sexual anatomy
Gender dysphoria counseling aims to help a person manage the troubling thoughts and feelings that are caused by the disconnect you feel.
Bullying, Stigmatization, and Discrimination
LGBTQI+ youth are disproportionately affected by bullying, stigmatization, and discrimination in various settings, including schools and communities. Verbal, physical, and cyberbullying can have severe consequences on their mental health. This leads to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and possibly suicidal ideation. Addressing and combatting this through awareness and inclusivity is essential for the overall well-being of LGBTQI+ youth.
Rejection and Lack of Support
Experiencing rejection from friends and family is traumatic and can lead to negative mental health outcomes. Disapproval or abandonment from loved ones can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-worth. In contrast, family acceptance, reassurance, and support play a crucial role in positive mental health outcomes.
A study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states,
LGBT young adults who reported high levels of family rejection during adolescence were:
8.4 times more likely to report having attempted suicide
5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression; and
3.4 times more likely to use illegal drugs
compared with peers from families that reported no or low levels of family rejection.
Research also indicates that higher rates of substance use and suicidality are partly explained by experiences of discrimination, victimization, and higher rates of depressive symptoms reported by transgender and gender diverse adolescents as compared to those who do not identify as transgender or non-binary.
Internalized Homophobia and Transphobia
Internalized homophobia and transphobia are self-directed negative attitudes and beliefs that LGBTQI+ individuals may internalize due to societal prejudice. LGBTQI+ youth often struggle with accepting their identities due to the influence of unhealthy societal norms and stereotypes. Internalized homophobia and transphobia contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm among LGBTQI+ youth.
Suicidality among LGBTQI+ youth
As mentioned in the research above, LGBTQI+ youth face disproportionately high rates of suicidality compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. The combination of societal stigma, discrimination, and internal struggles contributes to this. Persistent victimization can add to a feeling of helplessness and increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality plays a vital role in understanding the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQI+ youth who belong to multiple marginalized groups. Individuals who identify as LGBTQI+ and also face racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination may experience higher levels of stress and mental health issues.
Anxiety and Depression in LGBTQI+ Youth
LGBTQI+ youth face a higher risk of experiencing anxiety and due to the unique challenges and societal pressures they face. They must deal with high levels of stress, stigma, and shame.
Anxiety
Young people from the LGBTQI+ community are more prone to anxiety disorders due to the unique stresses and triggers that they face. Fear of rejection, coming out, and navigating their identities contribute to heightened anxiety levels. The constant vigilance and hypervigilance required in environments that are not accepting can worsen symptoms of anxiety. This adversely impacts their overall well-being. Seeking generalized anxiety disorder treatment may provide relief from and tools for managing anxiety disorders.
Depression
LGBTQI+ youth also experience higher rates of depression compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. They must constantly cope with the combination of minority stress, bullying, internalized stigma, and lack of support. This causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. Seeking depression therapy from a mental health professional can help.
How to Support LGBTQI+ Youth
All young people need validation, acceptance, and approval. Part of living an authentic life comes from self-acceptance which many LGBTQI+ youth struggle to do. See below for ways in which you can support LGBTQI+ youth.
LGBTQI+ therapy
LGBTQI+ individuals face unique mental health challenges. Mental health professionals who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the specific needs of this community can offer therapy tailored to specific needs.
What does affirmative therapy for LGBTQI+ mean?
Affirmative therapy incorporates a positive approach towards LGBTQI+ identities and relationships. It seeks to acknowledge and address the adverse impact of heterosexism, transphobia, and homophobia on the lives of LGBTQI+ clients.
It is important to find a therapist that is familiar with and understands this. LGBTQI+ therapy can help with the myriad of issues faced by members of this community. These can include struggles with anxiety, depression, trauma, intimacy, social connections, and handling social stigma.
Additionally, parents and family members may not know the best ways to provide support and understanding to their loved one. LGBTQI+ therapy can help with family support and related issues, LGBTQI+ families, parenting LGBTQI+ individuals, and societal issues.
Self-care
The value of good self-care practices cannot be overstated. This is an area that young people often overlook due to the varied demands on their time and attention. There are some basic things they can be reminded to do that will help them manage stress and anxiety. This could be going for a walk with them, or spending time outdoors. Encourage them to listen to music, watch a funny show or movie, or exercise. Spending time with a friend or loved one whose company they enjoy can also help.
Support system
Providing a supportive environment where youth can freely explore their identities is crucial for their well-being. Encourage and help young people to establish a support system through community services. They should be aware of people and organizations that they can turn to and ask for help.
FAQs
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Trust Mental Health has a team of licensed therapists in California that offer therapy in San Jose and all over California. Our team includes experienced LGBTQ+ therapists that will provide you a safe space and work with you without judgment. We offer therapy both in person and online. Contact us today for a free 15 minute consultation and we will match you with a therapist best suited to your needs.
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LGBTQI+ therapy is specifically tailored to meet the needs of LGBTQI+ individuals and addresses the unique challenges they face. Therapists practicing LGBTQI+ therapy have knowledge of LGBTQI+ identities, experiences, and cultural dynamics. Traditional therapy may not fully address the intersectionality of identities and experiences that LGBTQI+ individuals encounter.
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LGBTQI+ therapy can help improve mental health by providing support, validation, and guidance in navigating the challenges associated with being LGBTQI+. It can address issues such as internalized homophobia or transphobia, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and coping with discrimination or trauma. Therapy helps you develop self-acceptance, coping skills, and promotes overall psychological well-being.