LGBTQI+ Dimensions to Mental Health

In honor of it being LGBTQI+ Month, we wanted to give space to recognize the double stigma that can come from identifying in this community while also having a mental health condition. As an affiliate of NAMI, we agree that many will experience prejudice based on their sexual and/or gender identity as well as the stigma associated with mental illness. Confronting these challenges and mental health symptoms with an LGBTQ-inclusive therapist can lead to better outcomes, and even recovery.

Early intervention, comprehensive treatment and family support are key to helping LGBTQ people live well with a mental health condition. But many people in this community struggle in silence—and face worse health outcomes as a result.

• LGB adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition

• LGBTQ people are at a higher risk than the general 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

• 48% of all transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the past 12 months, compared to 4% of the overall US population

We recognize the weight of these numbers, and we are working to become the best allies we can be to this community. This is by no means finished work; as we see helping the LGBTQI+ population forever in the ongoing battles against prejudice and mental health disparities.

Here are some resources NAMI suggests:

• The Trevor Project is a support network for LGBTQ youth providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention, including a 24-hour text line (Text “START” to 678678)