Understanding Anxiety and Depression for LGBTQ People

People who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) make up less than 5% of America’s population. Studies show that LGBTQ folks are at higher risk of mental disorders.

This holds true whether an individual has openly disclosed their sexual orientation or not. In fact, hiding one’s sexual orientation or gender identity may even directly lead to mental health problems.

Mental Health Challenges Facing the LGBTQ Community

LGBTQ folks are also more likely to attempt suicide, engage in risky sexual and violent behavior, and develop a substance use problem.

Until 1973, homosexuality and queerness were considered mental disorders. It was only in 1973 that the DSM removed homosexuality as a diagnosis. Before 1973, anxiety and depression experienced by queers and homosexuals were often attributed solely to their sexuality. The underlying causes, such as past trauma or specific symptoms, were frequently overlooked or disregarded.

Though societal attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ folks has changed drastically since then, people who identify themselves as lesbians, gays, bi-sexual, transgenders and queers are still ridiculed for their sexual preferences and gender identities.

Why are LGBTQIA+ Folks Vulnerable to Mental Disorders?

A person’s sexuality or gender identity doesn’t affect their mental health. Many LGBTQIA+ folks may not experience any mental health issues and are also no more likely to engage in harmful/risky behaviors than heterosexual people. Mental health challenges facing LGBTQIA+ folks are mainly caused by external factors and perceived prejudice and bias, rather than their sexual orientation or gender identity itself.

To fully grasp the connection between depression, anxiety, and the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s important to comprehend the Minority Stress Model. This model suggests that individuals belonging to a minority group, like the queer community, experience higher levels of stress compared to people belonging to a majority group. This increased stress is attributed to the stigma and societal pressures that they often encounter.

It’s not unusual for mental health issues to arise when individuals are repeatedly exposed to stressful and unfriendly social environments. Minority stress can occur when a person anticipates rejection, tries desperately to hide their sexual or gender identity, internalizes feelings of homophobia, isolates themselves socially in an attempt to escape criticism or faces prejudice or discrimination on a day-to-day basis.

Negative past experiences with therapists/counselors (who may have tried conversion therapy or displayed demeaning behavior), lack of family support/family rejection, and stigma associated with homosexuality can also increase one’s risk of developing a mental disorder.

Unfortunately, these experiences are far too common. LGBTQ high school students are bullied almost twice as much as their heterosexual peers, and they are nearly three times more likely to face sexual dating violence. This explains why the rate of suicide attempts among LGBTQ students five times is almost higher than national average.

Anxiety and Depression Treatment for LGBTQIA+ People

Deep-seated biases are the most significant barriers to making healthcare accessible to LGBTQ individuals. To make matters worse, therapists who treat heterosexual individuals may not understand the distinct challenges faced by LGBTQ people daily. They might even recommend that these individuals suppress or disregard their feelings.

Some therapists try to change their patients’ sexual orientation through aversion therapy, while many others label their LGBTQ patients as sex addicts in an effort to rationalize their so-called “abnormal” thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These tactics are not only misguided but can also be detrimental, and the individual may end up feeling overwhelmed by guilt and shame, which can make a bad situation worse.

LGBTQ folks seeking help for mental health issues should consider seeing LGBT-friendly therapists. The goal of LGBT friendly therapy near you in Manhattan is to help LBTQ folks become more confident in their identity. An LGBTQ affirmative therapist has experience working specifically with the LGBT community and possesses a deeper understanding of how homophobia and transphobia can impact individuals’ lives.

LGBT-friendly therapy near you in Manhattan helps people who are struggling to accept their sexual orientations and gender identities realize that their thoughts, feelings, and desires are not abnormal.

LGBT-friendly therapists do not judge their patients on the basis of their sexual orientation or preferences. They utilize a range of methods to identify and address the underlying causes of their patients’ profound fears and anxieties.

Many LGBTQ folks are comfortable discussing their concerns with someone who can empathize with their experiences and look for therapists who are themselves members of the LGBTQ community.

LGBTQ-friendly therapy recognizes acceptance and integration as keys to healing. An LGBTQ-friendly therapist would never instruct their patients to change or suppress their thoughts and stresses the importance of embracing one’s inner self instead. During therapy sessions, they conduct various activities designed to help patients let go of guilt and shame, so they can overcome self-deprecation and cultivate a positive attitude.

LGBTQ friendly therapists

• Educate their patients about homophobia, heterosexism, transphobia, and bi-phobia, and explain the various ways these biases can present themselves.
• Help their patients gain a deeper understanding of the coming out and self-discovery process.
• Educate their patients about various types of prejudice and how shame can develop and prevent them from leading a satisfying and fulfilling life.

The following therapeutic approaches have been found to be effective in treating anxiety and depression among LGBTQ individuals:

• Peer-support programs
• Family therapy
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Individual and group therapy
• Behavioral therapies

Here are some resources that LGBTQ folks could use to find an LGBTQ-affirmative therapist.

• National therapist directories by Psychology Today and American Psychologist Association
• GLBT National Help Center
• PFLAG’s network (to find a local chapter)
• The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

We at Cooper Mental Health Counseling use different types of therapies to treat debilitating mental disorders. Our therapists understand how mental illness affects a person’s psyche. They focus on the root causes of mental disorders, rather than their symptoms. To learn more, call  (347) 244-7873