Some information via one of our mental health partners:
People in the LGBTQ+ community have an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions due to a variety of unique challenges they face. Some of these challenges include coming out, exploring gender identity, and navigating relationships. In fact, According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are twice as likely as non-LGB adults to develop a mental health condition, and transgender adults are four times more likely than cisgender adults to experience anxiety, depression, or another mental health disorder. LGBTQ+ individuals also have higher rates of substance use and homelessness than non-LGBTQ+ individuals.
These statistics are even more alarming and concerning for LGBTQ+ youth. The people in this group, are more than two times as likely to report persistent feelings of hopelessness or sadness as their heterosexual peers, and transgender youth are twice as likely as cisgender youth to seriously consider and attempt suicide.
Therapy can help support members of the LGBTQ+ community. More specifically, a therapist can help LGBTQ+ individuals with:
Exploring gender identity/expression and sexual orientation
Navigating coming out
Managing depression and anxiety
Dealing with rejection and bullying
Treatment for substance abuse
Discussing concerns about sexual health (STDs/HIV)
Working through relationship issues
When looking to work with a therapist, it’s important to fit the right therapist. Make sure to consider your needs as well as the therapist's experience. Also, ask for referrals and be sure to ask questions. Being able to build a relationship with the therapist will be critical to success. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the process of building a relationship with your therapist isn’t a linear one.
All in all, therapy can be an effective treatment for mental health conditions and can aid you in having more hope for a brighter future.