Risk Factors And Mental Health Resources For The LGBTQI+ Community

No one is immune to mental health conditions, and rainbow communities are no exception. In fact, according to The Trevor Project, a national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex (LGBTQI+), LGBTQI+ youth contemplate suicide 4x the rate of heterosexual youth.

The mental health needs of LGBTQI+ people are indeed great, yet they often go unmet. Thus, this article will aim to understand some of the unique risk factors and mental health resources available to this community.

Why It’s Important To Understand The Risks

Before we get into the details of risk factors and resources, it’s first essential to understand why this information is critical. Why does the LGBTQI+ community face greater risks for mental health issues?

A large part of it has to do with the stress accompanying being a minority. A sense of belonging is crucial for good mental health, and members of the LGBTQI+ community often feel like they don’t belong. It can be due to feeling different from others, experiencing discrimination, or facing rejection from family and friends.

Furthermore, the LGBTQI+ community has a long history of trauma. It includes, but is not limited to, violence (physical and sexual), conversion therapy, employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and much more. This history of trauma can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

It’s also essential to understand that the needs of LGBTQI+ people are often ignored or misunderstood. This lack of understanding can make it difficult for LGBTQI+ people to find mental health resources that meet their needs. Our society gradually accepts LGBTQI+ people, but there’s still a long way to go.

Here are a few numbers to keep in mind, per The Trevor Project:

Over 1.8 million LGBTQI+ youth aged 13 to 14 in the U.S. think about suicide yearly, and no less than one tries it every 45 seconds.
The LGBTQI+ youth aged 10 to 24 are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
Their 2022 report National Survey on LGBTQI+ Youth Mental Health revealed that 45% of LGBTQI+ youth, including over 50% of nonbinary and transgender youth, strongly contemplated suicide.

These statistics make it evident that we need to do more to support the mental health of individuals from the LGBTQI+ community. So, let’s take a look at some of the unique risk factors they face and the resources available to them.

Important Risk Factors To Be Aware Of (For Yourself And Loved Ones)

A few key risk factors LGBTQI+ people face can contribute to mental health issues. It’s important to be aware of these risks so that you can better support your loved ones and take care of your own mental health.

Coming Out

Members of the LGBTQI+ community have their individual coming out process. For some, it’s a relatively straightforward experience. In fact, the lucky one-third of LGBTQI+ youth receive parental acceptance. For others, however, it can be more difficult.

Cultural, religious, and family expectations can make coming out a challenge. Some people worry about how their friends and family will react, others are worried about societal judgment, and a few might even be concerned about losing their job or housing.

It’s also essential to understand that not everyone is ready or can come out. Some people may never come out, and that’s okay. In fact, one-third of LGBTQI+ doesn’t do so until they reach adulthood. Nonetheless, it’s important to respect their decision and support them, regardless of whether or not they’re out.

Rejection

Rejection is still a reality for many LGBTQI+ people. The manifestations can be family members disowning them, friends cutting ties, or employers discriminating against them.

Rejection can have a significant impact on mental health, particularly for adolescents. The Trevor Project shares that LGBTQI+ youth who experience high levels of rejection from their family are eight times more likely to attempt suicide. Moreover, those from families that reject them are also six times more likely to suffer from heightened depression.

It’s crucial to provide support to LGBTQI+ people facing rejection. Whether being an active listener, supplying resources, or just being there for them, your support can make a world of difference.

Trauma

The LGBTQI+ community has a long history of trauma and violence. From homophobia and transphobia to sexual assault and hate crimes, members of the LGBTQI+ community have faced it all. All this trauma can have a significant impact on mental health.

Consider this: 52% of LGBTQI+ youth in middle or high school were physically and electronically bullied in 2021. And of those who were, three times as many attempted suicide in the same year. 36% of LGBTQI+ youth also reported being physically threatened or harmed, with those who did having nearly triple the rate of suicide attempts in the past year.

This is just a snapshot of the trauma that LGBTQI+ people face. They face far more harm and trauma than records can accurately document, which is precisely why we need to provide more support.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a common way to cope with trauma, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, the LGBTQI+ community has a higher rate of substance abuse than the general population.

For LGBTQI+ adults, the rate of substance abuse is nearly double that of heterosexual adults and almost quadruple that of cisgender individuals for transgender individuals. And for junior high and high school youth aged eleven to eighteen, the rates of illicit drug use are significantly higher for those who identify as LGBTQI+ or are unsure of their identity compared to their heterosexual peers.

This is likely due to a variety of reasons. Some might turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the trauma they’ve experienced. Others might use substances to escape the discrimination and judgment they face daily. Whatever the reason, substance abuse is a real problem for the LGBTQI+ community, and it needs to be addressed.

Homelessness

Homelessness is also a significant issue for the LGBTQI+ community. The National Library of Medicine reported in 2019 that 20% to 40% of homeless persons identify as LGBTQI+ while comprising 5% to 10% of the general population.

Perhaps the most predominant reason for this discrepancy is family rejection. Many LGBTQI+ youth are kicked out of their homes once their families learn about their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can lead to homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues.

Other risk factors for homelessness among LGBTQI+ persons include the absence of employment opportunities, poverty, zero access to affordable housing, lack of access to health care, and discrimination.

Suicide

Suicide is a major problem for the LGBTQI+ community. However, it’s worth noting that their gender identity or sexual orientation is not the root cause of suicidal ideation. Rather, the discrimination, hatred, and rejection they experience lead many LGBTQI+ people to contemplate or attempt suicide.

The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that bisexual and gay persons aged 25 and below are more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual peers. The rates are even higher for those aged 7 and 12, with LGBTQI+ youth over twice as likely to attempt suicide.

According to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), over 60% of attempted suicides among LGBTQI+ people occur within five years after discovering their sexual orientation, highlighting the need to have support systems in place during this period.

Inadequate Health Care

There’s no denying that members of the LGBTQI+ community face unique challenges regarding health care. In fact, many don’t seek out health care at all due to the discrimination they face.

A study conducted by the Center for American Progress (CAP) found that 23% or almost 1 in 4 transgender people evaded medical help due to fear of discrimination or mistreatment. This is a major problem because many LGBTQI+ people are not getting the care they need.

Such circumstances often exacerbate mental and physical health issues down the road. For example, transgender individuals who don’t have access to health care are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

How To Find The Right Mental Health Care

If you’re a member of the LGBTQI+ community, it’s important to find a mental health care provider that you can trust. Below are a few steps you can take to find the right one for you:

1. Do Your Research

Not all providers are created equal, and some may not be knowledgeable about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI+ people. Do your research to find a provider that is LGBTQI+ friendly and has experience working with members of the community.

Similarly, know what kind of services you’re looking for. If you need help with anxiety or depression, make sure the provider you choose offers those services. If you need more specialized care, such as gender-affirming therapy, find a provider who offers those services.

2. Ask Around

If you know anyone who is a part of the LGBTQI+ community, ask for recommendations. Chances are they know of a good provider in the area. You can also look for provider directories online, such as the one offered by the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network.

Insurance company websites and LGBTQI+ organizations are also good sources of information. For the latter, look for LGBTQI+ health centers, social organizations, support groups, or community centers with mental health services.

3. Make A List And Book An Appointment

Once you’ve done your research, make a list of potential providers. For each one, find out if they’re in-network with your insurance or if they offer sliding scale fees. You should also call their office to ask about their policies regarding LGBTQI+ patients.

Once you’ve narrowed down your inventory, book an appointment with a few providers to see which one is the best fit for you. And when you’re there, pay attention to how you feel.

If the provider makes you feel comfortable and respected, they’re probably a good choice. But if you don’t click with the provider or if they say anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and find someone else.

4. Be Curious And Upfront

When meeting with a potential provider, be curious and ask questions. Find out about their experience working with LGBTQI+ patients and what kind of training they have in LGBTQI+ mental health. Ask questions like:

How do you understand gender and sexuality?
What are your thoughts on conversion therapy?
Do you use affirmative practices with your LGBTQI+ patients?

If you’re looking for a provider who uses affirmative practices, mention that. It’s also important to be upfront about your needs and wants. If the provider is unwilling to answer your questions or seems uncomfortable, they may not be the right fit.

5. Establish Trust

It takes time to build confidence and a relationship with a provider. So if you don’t click with the first provider you see, don’t give up. It may just take a few tries to find the right one. Be patient and keep looking until you find a provider you can trust.

Mental Health Resources for LGBTQI+ Individuals

There are many mental health resources available to the LGBTQI+ community. Here are a few:

Alvarado Parkway Institute

A physician-owned, private, LGBTQI+-friendly mental health center that provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and drug abuse treatment.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQI+ youth.

Trans Lifeline

A trans-led group that links trans people to the assistance, resources, and network they seek to live and thrive.

National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color (NQTTCN)

A support network for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC) who are looking for transformational mental health resources that are grounded in liberation and social justice.

The LGBT National Help Center

A center that provides telephone and email counseling, as well as resources and referrals to LGBTQI+ individuals.

The GLBT National Youth Talkline

A toll-free hotline, chat, and email support available to LGBTQI+ youth who need someone to talk to. Toll-free: (800) 246-7743

Conclusion

The risk factors for mental health issues are higher for LGBTQI+ individuals than for the general population. That’s why it’s so important to find a provider who is knowledgeable and affirming of LGBTQI+ identities and gives easy access to resources they need.

If you or your loved one is part of the LGBTQI+ community and needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Alvarado Parkway Institute. Our team is LGBTQI+-friendly and provides the highest quality of care to our patients. We offer inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and drug abuse treatment, as well as a variety of other mental health services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one heal and thrive.

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