TAKE ACTION: MENTAL HEALTH

Living in a largely heterosexist, homophobic and transphobic culture can cause or exacerbate existing mental health problems among LGBT people.

Studies indicate that members of the LGBT community experience mental health problems, including stress related disorders, at a higher rate than the general population. Specifically, lesbians have high reported rates of alcohol and drug dependence; gay men experience disproportionate rates of HIV infections; LGBT youth have higher rates of suicide than their heterosexual counterparts; and Gender Identity Disorder (GID) continues to pathologize and stigmatize transpeople.

Many LGBT people postpone help for mental health issues for a variety of reasons including negative experiences with providers and lack of or inadequate health insurance coverage. Additionally, many mental health professionals do not have adequate training or experience to properly serve LGBT individuals in need of support services. As a result, LGBT people are less likely to receive culturally appropriate mental health assessments, treatment, and support when diagnosed.

Government agencies must TAKE ACTION:

Sexual and gender minorities should be specified and prioritized when funding, designing and implementing programs.
Suicide prevention programs, pilots and demonstration grants need to focus on LGBT youth.
Sexual orientation and gender identity demographic questions must be added to all population-based behavioral health-related surveys. Additionally, analysis of data for sexual orientation and gender identity will inform planning, program and policy development to best meet the mental health and substance abuse needs of the LGBT community.

What can you do?

If you are in crisis, call 911 or your local mental health line for help.
Get help from an LGBT-competent mental health professional.
Talk to a professional substance abuse counselor, if you or someone you know depends on drugs or alcohol.
Seek support from community groups or peers if you feel isolated and alone,
If you are struggling with your sexual orientation or gender identity, reach out to others who have been there. You are not alone.
Visit or call a nearby LGBTQ community center for help, support, or information.

Individuals, organizations, and providers can TAKE ACTION to help LGBT patients and families feel safe and welcome:

Forms should be inclusive of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and relationship status (e.g., questions are open-ended so patients can designate their own gender, sexual orientation and relationship status).
Do not make assumptions about patients' sexual orientation or gender identity.
Become culturally competent through ongoing training and treat all people with dignity and respect.
Know your available LGBTQ community resources; LGBTQ individuals who are supported report lower rates of emotional distress and substance use/abuse.