Exploring mental health in the LGBTQ+ community: the intersection of trauma, stigma and resilience

In today's society, the challenges and stresses faced by the LGBTQ+ community remain an issue that cannot be ignored. LGBTQ+ affirming therapists who specialize in gay and lesbian identities shared some of the key findings they have observed clinically, which reveal how minority stress continues to have significant negative health outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community.

In the experience of therapists, the most common mental health disorders in the LGBTQ+ community include mood disorders, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, trauma-related disorders, and eating disorders. Notably, levels of depression and anxiety were 1.5 times higher among LGBTQ+ individuals than heterosexual individuals, a statistic that underscores the severity of the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Therapists emphasize that many of the "disorders" found in the LGBTQ+ population may be related to trauma that includes not only obvious events such as rape or natural disasters, but also everyday injuries such as experiencing homophobia, bullying, and time in the closet. These experiences have a profound impact on an individual's mental health.

In particular, the LGBTQ+ community has higher rates of addiction than the population as a whole. For example, compared to their heterosexual peers, LGB youth are 90% more likely to use drugs.This data reflects the fact that the LGBTQ+ community may turn to substance use as a poor coping mechanism in the face of stress and trauma.

Therapists also mentioned the impact of HIV in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the association between methamphetamine use and HIV infection among gay men. They pointed out that the homophobia that still exists in the community is one of the reasons for the persistence of HIV stigma.

In the face of these challenges, therapists emphasized the importance of resilience. They noted that gay men and lesbians have also demonstrated incredible resilience despite the challenges they continue to face in a heterosexual and hateful society. Religion and spirituality are seen as important areas for strengthening the resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals and families, providing strategies for coping with difficulties and helping people find meaning in the midst of pain and trauma.

This article reveals the depth of mental health challenges and trauma faced by the LGBTQ+ community, while also emphasizing the importance of resilience and support. By raising awareness of these issues, society can better support the LGBTQ+ community to help them overcome challenges and find strength and hope in the face of adversity.

References:
- "Substance Use and SUD in the LGBTQ* Community," National Institute on Drug Abuse, September 5, 2017
- VJ Felitti et al, "Association of Childhood Abuse and Family Dysfunction with Many of the Leading Causes of Adult Death. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study," National Center for Biotechnology Information, May 1998