Important Factors Of LGBTQI Mental Health

Rejection 
For many in the LGBTQI community, coming out can be a difficult, or even traumatic, experience. It can be difficult to cope with rejection of something as personal as one’s identity from family or close friends. According to a 2013 survey, 40% of LGBTQI adults have experienced rejection from a family member or a close friend.

LGBTQI youth are also disproportionately harassed at school, both physically and verbally, which can significantly impact their mental health. Additionally, people from the LGBTQI community may face rejection within their workplace or faith community.

Trauma 
Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, bullying and feeling identity-based shame is often traumatic for people.

The LGBTQI community faces many forms of discrimination, including: labeling, stereotyping, denial of opportunities or access, and verbal, mental and physical abuse. They are one of the most targeted communities by perpetrators of hate crimes in the country.

Such discrimination can contribute to a significantly heightened risk for PTSD among individuals in the LGBTQI community compared to those who identity as heterosexual and cisgender.

Substance Use
Substance misuse or overuse, which may be used as a coping mechanism or method of self-medication, is a significant concern for members of this community. LGBTQI adults are nearly twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a substance use disorder. Transgender individuals are almost four times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a substance use disorder. Illicit drug use is significantly higher in high school-aged youth who identify as LGBTQI or are unsure of their identity, compared to their heterosexual peers.

Homelessness
It is estimated that LGBTQI youth and young adults have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness. This risk is especially high among Black LGBTQI youth. Unstable housing is often the result of family rejection and discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Many members of this community face the added challenge of finding homeless shelters that will accept them, and experience elevated rates of harassment and abuse in these spaces.

Suicide
Many people in this community struggle in silence — and face worse health outcomes as a result.

• The LGBTQI population is at a higher risk than the heterosexual, cisgender population for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
• High school students who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are almost five times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers.
• 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime, compared to less than 5% of the general U.S. population.

Inadequate Mental Health Care
The approach to sexual orientation and gender identity in mental health care often groups together anyone in the LGBTQI community, when these communities are considered at all. This method can be problematic as each sub-community faces unique challenges, rates of mental illness and experiences.

The LGBTQI community encompasses a wide range of individuals with separate and overlapping challenges regarding their mental health. The community also has other factors including race and economic status that can affect the quality of care they receive or their ability to access care.

Additionally, members of this community may face harassment or a lack of cultural competency from potential providers. These experiences can lead those who receive treatment to fear disclosing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity due to potential discrimination or provider bias.

Confronting these barriers and mental health symptoms with an LGBTQI-inclusive therapist can lead to better outcomes, and even recovery.