In the past, society has traditionally prioritized physical health over mental well-being. It can be difficult to discuss mental health issues because they haven’t always been so widely recognized and accepted.
However, now people take their mental well being seriously because of new studies and more awareness about psychiatry and psychological disorders, and with the digital age, it is now more important to care for your mental health than ever.
Contrary to common assumptions, mental disorders are real and require the same level of care as physical illnesses.
LGBTQ are twice as likely to suffer from mental health issues, yet are often underheard and undertreated. It is already difficult enough for them to find and access the appropriate resources without having to face the already heavy stigmas that mental health carries.
Major Mental Health Problems Affecting LGBTQ People
It is important to be aware of prevalent mental health concerns in LGBTQ to identify the signs in either yourself or a loved one. Here are some of the most common issues.
Trauma-Related Disorders
LGBTQ people are more prone to experience traumatic experiences such as abuse, intolerance, verbal abuse, and sometimes even physical violence. Furthermore, LGBTQ teenagers are more likely to be bullied at school, particularly through physical attacks and emotional insults.
All of these variables raise the possibility of trauma-related issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Suicide Risk Among LGTQ People
Almost half of LGBTQ youth have seriourly considered suice. We must embrace this harsh reality and work to encourage the acceptance and support of others regardless of how they identify.
In such situations please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts. In case of emergencies, dial 911 or rush to the nearest hospital for emergency care.
Homelessness
Homelessness is a major issue among the LGBTQ community, but especially among the youth because many families refuse to accept them for who they are. It is an outdated mindset but it still affects too many families.
There is so much work that needs to be done so we can head towards a more peaceful and accepting world.
LGBTQ Mental Health Treatments Are Available
As the world is accepting the LGBTQ fact, more and more mental health help services are available now to help with any mental issues. However, remember that others can’t help you if you are not willing to help yourself. You have to take the first step, which is the most difficult. Once you accept that you might need help, you will start to see things working out just fine for you.
Talk to a Professional
If you are someone who is facing any mental health issues or you know someone who is facing such issues, you must get in touch with a professional LGBT therapist right away because leaving such conditions untreated can be life-threatening in the long run. Staying in denial and feeling like you don’t belong anywhere for many years takes a big toll on one’s mental health.
Hopefully, our next generations won’t have to face the same issues if we set the right examples and clear the path for them. For that, we must acknowledge where we need help so we can come out stronger and be able to help others. You won’t have to be scared of judgment from a therapist. They have studied and experienced these issues and done their research about helping you. Talk to them without any fear and you will see your life gradually improving.
Find Good Friends
You can find friends that have been through the same as you through online platforms. There are various support groups, social media platforms, communities, and helplines that help with such issues. Remember, the other person doesn’t have to be from LGBT to become your friend. If they are sincere and understand you, that’s all you need.
A good friend is the best therapist and they will give you the confidence you need. You will learn that you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone and you don’t need anyone’s approval. You are who you are and if someone finds it hard to accept that, it’s their problem, not yours. The right people will understand and they will stay with you, and they are the only people that deserve you.
