61% of the LGBTQ+community suffers from depression
45% have PTSD
36% have an anxiety disorder
40% of transgender people have attempted suicide in their lifetime
So why are those figures higher among the LGBTQ+ community?
It is not the simple fact of being a part of the community that increases the risk of mental health issues, but the discrimination and prejudice that they face in our society. Hate crime, internalized homophobia, denial of one's own identity, lack of support from family and friends, and unequal rights are only some of the challenges the community faces which all put them at higher risk of mental health issues.
How to support the LGBTQ+ community?
Show your support. Call out any forms of discrimination you see; stand up for the community whenever you can (within safety)
Listen and educate yourself. Do your best to understand the struggles that people in the LGBTQ+ community face. This will allow you to be more empathetic and understanding. (We included some resources you might use in the caption)
Do not only tolerate the community but actively contribute to the fight for equality. Seeing you being a proactive ally could make all the difference for people close to you and might make coming out to you a lot less stressful and anxiety-inducing.
Use the right pronouns and do not assume people’s sexuality or gender identity.
Donate to organizations working against inequality and providing mental health services to LGBTQ+ individuals.
If you are a member of the community currently struggling with your mental health please reach out and ask for help. Here are some resources you can use:
Grupa Stonewall (for those in Poland) - in June they offer free psychological help (contact: agnieszka.pixi.fraczek@gmail.com, zofia.weronika.czerwinska@gmail.com, mts.bialas@gmail.com ) or check out their open group meetings
Kampania Przeciwko Homofobii - you can reach out to them to book a meeting with a professional (in Poland)
The Trevor Project - “Trained counselors are there to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline at 1-866-488-7386.”
The National Centre for Transgender Equality - information and resources for transgender people
It Gets Better Project - their mission is to “uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe”
Sources:
HealthPartners Blog. Mason S., 2021. Mental health challenges in the LGBTQ community | HealthPartners Blog. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/mental-health-in-the-lgbtq-community/>
Mental Health Foundation. 2021. Mental health statistics: LGBTIQ+ people. [online] Available at: <https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/statistics/mental-health-statistics-lgbtiq-people>
Suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LGBTQ_MentalHealth_OnePager.pdf>
Mhttcnetwork.org. 2021. LGBTQIA+ Behavioral Health Resources | Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) Network. [online] Available at: <https://mhttcnetwork.org/centers/northwest-mhttc/lgbtqia-behavioral-health-resources>
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