(Trigger warning: This blog post contains mentions of mental illness. If you think that details on this topic could trigger an unwanted emotional response, please to skip to the last two paragraphs to learn about mental health resources in your area.)
Taking a holistic approach to viewing one’s health, by addressing the mind-body connection is an important skill for addressing one’s overall health. Everyone experiences highs and lows throughout their lives and finding a supportive mental health professional to help manage those times is important.
Society is beginning to recognize the importance of talking openly about mental health and how stigma and prejudice can affect individuals in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning community (LGBTQ). Having this important conversation is vital to decreasing this stigma and for getting people the resources that they need. Learn why discussing mental health in the LGBTQ community is vital to creating a happy, healthy society and how it can make a difference.
LGBT Mental Health Statistics
LGBTQ individuals are three times more likely to experience major depression or generalized anxiety due to “minority stress”. Minority stress comes from a variety of individual and combined factors including social stigma, discrimination, prejudice, denial of civil and human rights, abuse, harassment, victimization, social and family exclusion/rejection.
Many of the mental health challenges that LGBT people face stem from a lack of acceptance and peer support. People who are rejected when coming out to their families are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than those who receive acceptance and understanding. In fear of being rejected, some LGBT individuals may feel hiding their identity is a safer option. However, those that hide their identity can experience more psychological stress. To exacerbate the issue, if community members fear that both physical and mental health care providers discriminate against them, they may not feel comfortable seeking the health and community services they need.
Contact Alder Health Services for Mental Health Resources for the LGBTQ Community
You’re not alone! LGBTQ organizations can help you feel safe and included, and LGBTQ-friendly healthcare providers can support you without discrimination. Alder Health Services offers LGBT-focused behavioral health care that accepts all individuals. They are the only LGBT provider within 120 miles of Harrisburg, PA. If you need somewhere where people understand your experiences with discrimination and mental health, we can help.
Reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness starts with us. Support LGBT community members dealing with mental health issues. Advocate for mental health awareness and support for the LGBT community. Also, remember that there are people and groups out there who want to help you improve your mental health. You don’t have to deal with mental illness on your own.
