LGBTQIA+ folks are uniquely at risk for both depression and anxiety. We know that 18% of the LGBTQIA+ youth population currently have depression, and when compared to the national rate of 8.2%, that is a huge increase. You might be asking yourself, why is this so?
In order to understand the full picture of how depression, anxiety, and the LGBTQIA+ community are linked, one must understand the Minority Stress Model. The Minority Stress Model posits that those who are part of a minority, such as the queer population, are exposed to more stress than other populations due to the stigma they face. This contributes to the lesser healthcare they receive, and to their own shame or embarrassment surrounding receiving mental health services.
Historically, being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community was considered a mental illness until 1973, when it was taken out of the DSM-5. Up until that time, many queer people’s anxiety and depression were just blamed on their sexuality, instead of considering past trauma history or symptoms. Before this time, being queer was illegal. Illinois was actually the first state to decriminalize homosexuality in 1961.
Though we have been making strides toward better understanding and care for the LGBTQIA+ population, this community still faces many challenges in receiving care and support for anxiety and depression.
Mental health challenges in the LGBTQIA+community
As previously mentioned, people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community face higher rates of anxiety and depression when compared to the general population. They face unique challenges when seeking mental health services. These include:
1. Lack of information about available services
2. Negative past experiences with treatment providers
3. A belief that traditional treatment programs will not meet their needs
4. Treatment has been overtly homophobic, transphobic, and heterosexist
5. Lack of familial support/family rejection
6. Lack of representation
7. Stigma
8. Discrimination
LGBTQIA+ Depression
What is depression? Depression negatively impacts the way you think about yourself and the world, the way you feel, and the way you may act. People with depression experience sadness, and no longer are able or have an interest in doing the things that used to make them happy or healthy. It impacts your relationships, and your ability to work.
Depression Treatment
There are some forms of therapy that are specific to helping LGBTQIA+ people who have depression. One form of depression therapy for this population works from an anti-oppression framework and dedicates certain sessions to their own internalized homophobia, oppressive experiences, and coming out.
Those folks who experienced these treatment options saw their depression symptoms significantly decrease, and an increase in positivity around their self-esteem. Talking about oppression helps depression!
To address these challenges on a wider scale, one component would be to create a more inclusive clinical environment for those seeking mental health services. This may mean training for clinical providers that includes awareness of LGBTQIA+ affirmative practices and would address the history of discrimination that the queer population has previously faced when seeking treatment for depression management and other mental health concerns.
Depression and Anxiety Management
There are many ways LGBTQIA+ folks can manage depression and anxiety. These include meditation, journaling about feelings and experiences, reaching out to their community for support and validation, exercise (like going for a walk or yoga), and participating in activities that give them joy!
LGBTQIA+ Anxiety
What is anxiety? Anxiety can be described as having worried thoughts, that are mostly future-orientated and long-term. Some people may avoid situations out of this worry, or have physical sensations due to their anxiety, like sweating, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat.
Anxiety Treatment
One effective form of anxiety treatment for the LGBTQIA+ community is CBT. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for this group would aim to explore some of the core beliefs that this group may have due to the stigma they face.
Examples of these core beliefs may be:
1.“I’m fundamentally different, and don’t fit in.”
2.“I’m not worthwhile unless I’m accepted by those I admire.”
3.“I can’t be accepted by others unless I meet their expectations.”
4.“If someone got to know the real me, they wouldn’t accept me.”
CBT would help those in this community identify these beliefs, test them, and hopefully change these core beliefs into more constructive ones.
Mental health resources in the LGBTQIA+ Community
If you are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and are looking for mental health resources, one important resource is the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association’s Provider Directory. This directory shares inclusive providers across the country that may be able to help.
Here are some crisis lines for the LGBTQIA+ community:
Transgender Community
Trans Lifeline – 877-565-8860
LGBTQIA+ Youth
LGBTQIA+ National Youth Talkline – 1-800-246-7743
TrevorLifeline – 1-866-488-7386
TrevorText – Text START to 678-678
The Steve Fund Crisis Textline* – Text STEVE to 741741
LGBTQIA+ Adults
Lifeline* – 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line* – Text HOME to 741741
Ally Support
If you’re an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, there are many things you can do to support a loved one’s mental health journey!
These include:
1. Celebrating your LGBTQIA+ loved ones’ accomplishments
2. Donating to queer organizations
3. Attend events that support your LGBTQIA+ community
4. Speak out against discrimination
5. Validate loved one’s experiences in mental health spaces
6. Write to government representatives to advocate for queer rights
Written By: Bridget Brodlo
Clarity Clinic
At Clarity Clinic, we have highly trained staff specializing in therapy and psychiatry services. To learn more about how we can support your mental health, call Clarity Clinic at (312) 815-9660 or schedule an appointment today.