Persistent discrimination, a lack of quality mental health care services, combined with a variety of negative risk factors work against many members of the LGBTQ+ community struggling with their mental health.

This can play out in a range of ways depending on the individual and their unique set of circumstances. A few of the most common mental health issues that these individuals face include depression, anxiety, and even substance use disorder (SUD), though it is important to avoid viewing these communities through a monolithic lens.

In today’s article, we will be taking a close look at some of the major mental health challenges the LGBTQ+ community deals with on a daily basis. Additionally, we will provide a few highly actionable steps and takeaways that couples can take today to begin navigating toward a better tomorrow, today.

Common LGBTQ+ Mental Health Issues

There are many mental health issues that LGBTQ+ individuals have a higher likelihood of facing, with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder being some of the most common.

The most important mental health crisis that must always take precedence is suicide. The suicide rate within LGBTQ+ communities is much higher than the general population within the United States, with CBS reporting that more than 1 out of every 10 young people who identify as LGBTQ+ attempt to commit suicide each year.

Risk Factors LGBTQ+ Individuals Face

While it is crucial to avoid painting the entire LGBTQ+ community in broad strokes and assume that they operate as one, there are a few common risk factors that combine and make negative outcomes more likely for them in comparison to the general population. Some of these common risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Severe Discrimination

Members of the LGBTQ+ community have long been discriminated against and found themselves to be the victims of homophobia, transphobia, and many other forms of bigotry and hatefulness.

Often, this is represented by an intense fear of rejection or being the victim of ongoing discrimination in their daily lives. Countless LGBTQ+ individuals report feeling as if they are often labeled or discriminated against and even denied certain opportunities that are commonly afforded to their heterosexual counterparts.

2. The Trauma of “Coming Out”

While the United States has come a long way toward accepting LGBTQ+ individuals on both a cultural and legislative level, it remains evident that there is a significant amount of trauma and anxiety surrounding the act of “coming out”, or the revealing of their true identity to friends, family, and other loved ones.

Even when it is well received by the loved ones, coming out still marks one of the most stressful and anxiety-inducing days of many people’s lives. This fear of the unknown, and even the potential unraveling of their closest loved ones and immediate family, makes many choose to live in silence and secrecy rather than embrace their true identity.

3. Homelessness and Substance Use Disorder

There is a disproportionate percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly adolescents, that endure homelessness and/or substance use disorder. Some estimates place them at a 120% higher chance of suffering from youth homelessness. This negatively impacts virtually every aspect of their life and marks the start of a downward spiral toward co-occurrence of multiple mental health issues.

Further, studies have shown that members of the LGBTQ+ community suffer from substance use disorder at nearly twice the rate of the general population. If you look at only the transgender community, these statistics get even more harrowing, with them being more than four times as likely to suffer from SUD.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community’s Mental Health

There are countless ways that we all can help members of the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to improve their mental health, regardless of whether we are physically a part of the community or simply an ally.

A few of the most actionable steps any of us can take today include compassionately listening, building safe and inclusive communities, and educating ourselves about the unique set of circumstances and risk factors that when combined, lead to increased negative outcomes.

Further, it is important to understand and actively acknowledge that all sets of circumstances and mental issues are unique, as are the individuals affected. As such, there is no “best way” to support LGBTQ+ individuals, but rather best practices that follow key principles such as kindness and compassion.

Useful Resources to Help LGBTQ+ Communities

There are many free, readily available resources available at both a community, state, and nationwide level, including varying types of support for LGBTQ+ couples and LGBTQ+ addiction support.

While the resources listed below are by no means exhaustive or the only things available, they do provide a wide, diverse range of options to begin your search to find help for yourself and your loved ones.

• Trans Lifeline: +1 877-565-8860
• Youth Talkline: +1 800-96-YOUTH
• Trevor Lifeline: +1 866-488-7386
• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: +1 800-272-8255

Never Alone Recovery Is Here to Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder or needs assistance in building a strong sober support network, please do not hesitate to give us a call today at 844-365-4445 for a free consultation to see how we can help you begin your journey toward long-term sober living, regardless of background.

Never Alone Recovery is an Indiana rehab facilitator with a team of dedicated, full-time addiction recovery consultants on staff who work around the clock to provide free drug rehab placement services and find insurance approved rehab options for those in need. 

The mission of the Never Alone program is to offer support and unyielding compassion to those suffering from mental health issues and substance use disorder, as well as their loved ones, regardless of income or financial means. 

In addition to this article, we have an extensive library of online resources and a 100% free online support group that meets weekly. No matter where you are in your recovery journey, remember that you’re never alone.