The LGBTQ Community is gaining their recognition over time now. People have the freedom to express who they are attracted to and also how they feel deep within themselves. But when they reveal this, the world can turn a cold eye to them. However, the LGBTIQ+ mental health risk is higher than the heterosexual population.

How does the LGBTQ Community deal with Mental Health?

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the bisexual and transgender communities have the highest rates of mental health issues within the LGBTQ community.    

Furthermore, most mental health specialists consider the LGBTQ community a mentally vulnerable population in India. Based on recent surveys, 61% of the LGBTQ population have depression, 45% have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 36% have an anxiety disorder. LGBTQ communities will probably live through traumas like discrimination, bullying, harassment, and crimes. These factors are responsible for mental health conditions like anxiety, stress, and depression.    

Do you think there’s prejudice regarding the LGBTQ community in society?

In modern times, it is quite natural that everyone has their own unique sexual orientation and gender identity. But they mean different. However, sexual orientation can mean how interested we are in a person on a physical and mental note. Whereas, if you look at gender, it refers to how we see ourselves in life. This could be like a man or woman deep inside. This is separate from biological sex. Those who differ from the majority in their sexual orientation or gender identity are often referred to as part of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s vital to understand that being LGBTQ+ is a natural variation and not a mental illness or disorder.

According to the Trevor Project survey, in 2019, 40% of LGBTQ considered suicide as the option to save themselves from bullying and social harassment. According to the national suicide prevention lifeline, 28% of the LGBTQ population is at risk of depression before age 30.    

LGBTIQ+ mental health care: How can you protect the LGBTQ Community’s mental status?

Do you belong to the pride community? Do you know someone who is from the LGBTQ community? Well, let’s find some critical factors to support our fellow beings.    

Find a community and share your thoughts with them    

Although the Supreme Court of India has legalized LGBT rights, people around the country find it difficult to accept the community as normal. In India, various organizations support and conduct gender equality movements. These organizations will support the people who belong to the pride community and help us grow with our unique sexual orientation. Online communities like LGBTQ India, Gaysi Family, Sahayathrika, etc., support LGBTIQ+ mental health and help us heal and grow through online mediums like blogs, videos, stories, and discussions.  

Have you understood about Sexual orientation and the fears that are associated with it? Know better.

Talk to a therapist/ seek expert help    

Experienced mental therapists can do wonders for the mental health care of the Pride community. Moreover, in India, the LGBT community is considered a disorder or ‘not normal.’ Finding the right therapist for your mental health concerns is quite challenging. However, there is nothing wrong with asking your therapist about their previous experiences and work with LGBTQ clients and how they deal with LBTIQ+ mental health care. Therefore consult a good therapist, and your mental health will be their primary concern, and they will be open and honest with you.   

LGBTQ Community: Be aware of available helplines  

In India, various organizations aim to support the LGBTQ community. Some of the popular organizations are:   

Winding up LGBTQ Community mental health summary

Earlier, even psychologists considered LGBTQ+ identity to be a mental illness. However, today professionals have started to recognize them as normal. Although they have rights and support groups, the LGBTQ community still faces high mental illness rates, including elevated suicide, depression, and abuse. Also, the LGBTQ+ community, the transgender population faces devastatingly high rates of mental crisis. In addition, as per reports, nearly 40% of transgender people have attempted suicide because of harassment and discrimination. However, today LGBTIQ+ people have freedom and identity. There are foundations and helplines to support their mental health.  Furthermore, because of the activists, allies, and LGBTIQ+ community and foundations, the LGBTIQ+ population rose to power and independence. Do you think social stigma is the reason for the LGBTIQ+ mental health crisis?