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MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

CHALLENGES OF THE COMMUNITY

By Adonis MPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
Photo by Maryna Kazmirova on Unsplash

Mental health problems such as depression, self-harm, alcohol and drug abuse and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, but they’re more common among people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Being LGBTQIA+ doesn't lead to these issues. However, a few things LGBTQIA+ individuals go through can influence their Mental Health, like depression, homophobia or transphobia, social disconnection, dismissal, and troublesome encounters of emerging.

It is essential to take note that; embracing being LGBTQIA+ can decidedly affect somebody's prosperity as well. It could mean they have more certainty, a feeling of having a place with a local area, liberating sensation and self-acknowledgment, and better associations with loved ones.

Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ are no less than two times as liable to have Mental Health challenges contrasted with everyone. It brings up the issue, for what reason does the LGBTQIA+ community experience more psychological well-being concerns?

Quite a bit of it comes down to life encounters. Odds are you've been in circumstances that have made you anxious. Perhaps somebody said or followed through with something. Or on the other hand maybe it was only a look that caused you to feel unwanted. In any case, the most exceedingly terrible thing was feeling like nobody had you covered.

Is it true that you were worried, restless or forlorn? Did you simply ask for an exit from the circumstance? Presently, imagine you were continually encircled by the negative perspectives and ways of behaving of others. Consider what that would mean for your emotional wellness.

Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ experience stressors that are remarkable and boundless. Those in the LGBTQIA+ community are bound to be the survivor of segregation, sexism and savagery. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ people don't usually approach the help needed to work on their Mental Health. We expect Health Practitioners to be an asset to these individuals and furthermore for those in great need of help in the community.

"Like with any identity, feeling different—or worse, unaccepted as you are—is a significant risk factor for mental health struggles," says Anna Docherty, PhD, LP, assistant professor of psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. "The truth is, most of us experience some significant anxiety or depression in our lifetimes, and we often manage this with social support. Without adequate social support and acceptance, mental health is quite difficult to maintain. Increasing dialogue about LGBTQIA+ experiences and how individuals are overcoming struggles can help normalize and validate what individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ are managing. Importantly, this can also lead to community education, acceptance, social support, peer-mentoring, empowerment, and pride."

The statistics from Mental Health America demonstrate the concerning mental health challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community:

• LGBTQIA+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQIA+ identifying teens.

• LGBTQIA+ youth are more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual youth.

• 48% of transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4% of the overall U.S. population.

What issues might LGBTIQ+ people face?

Depression

A study by Stonewall found that over the previous year:

• half of LGBTQIA+ people had experienced depression, and three in five had experienced anxiety

• one in eight LGBTQIA+ people aged 18 to 24 had attempted to end their life

• almost half of trans people had thought about taking their life

Disdain wrongdoings

These are violations carried out against individuals due to their race, sexuality, religion, orientation character or handicap. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ people group are at a more serious risk of encountering disdain wrongdoings contrasted with hetero individuals. Certain LGBTIQ+ bunches are at specific risk, including gay men, youngsters and the individuals who are from Dark, Asian and ethnic minority gatherings.

Access to health care

Around one in eight LGBTIQ+ people have experienced unequal treatment from healthcare staff because they are LGBTIQ+. One in seven have avoided treatment for fear of discrimination.

It's important to remember that embracing your LGBTQIA+ identity can also have a positive impact on your wellbeing. It might mean you have:

• increased confidence

• improved relationships with your friends and family

• a sense of community and belonging

• the freedom of self-expression and self-acceptance

• Increased resilience.

CommunityHumanityIdentityPride Month

About the Creator

Adonis M

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