The LGBTQ+ community are 1 1/2 times more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorder than the rest of the population.
By Ana Brown, B.A Psychology (she/her).Reviewed by Dr. Pascale Piron, Psy.D., M.A., LCPC (she/her).
Jan 30th, 2025 12:55 PM PST
HOW LGBTQ+ THERAPY CAN PROVIDE A SAFE SPACE FOR HEALING AND GROWTH.
It was the fall of 1999 when I got a phone call from a family member very dear and important to me. The shaking in his voice sent a cold feeling down my spine and I immediately knew, he had the dreaded conversation with his family about his sexual orientation. I was lucky enough to have been his confidant for years and I knew how life changing that moment was for him. I hoped for years that the news could get his family closer but instead it only drew them even further apart. As children we enjoyed the usual childhood mischiefs together. Our summers at his family’s farm, swimming in the lake on a lazy afternoon without a single worry in our minds, gave us incredible special memories. We were just kids being kids. What a wonderful time that was. So, I thought. The reality was, this incredible human who I love very much, was struggling internally, in deep agony and sadly didn’t feel safe to share his deepest feelings with anyone for years. The rejection from the people who were supposed to love him and protect him, the cruel words and the lack of compassion threw him in a lifetime of chronic depression, isolation and confusion. I wish I could have been there for him from the very beginning of his journey, but he was fighting this internal and private battle alone. He simply didn’t feel safe to share, and that is tragic. No one should ever feel shame for being who they are, no one. Being gender diverse is not a choice, it is not a disorder, it’s part of one’s identity. I didn’t get to choose my height or the color of my eyes. We are biologically wired to be who we are. Period. Every now and then I still feel that cold feeling down my spine, when I witness injustice for the diversity and marginalized groups and I still do shed tears for him and everyone in the LGBTQ+ world, who have experienced oppression, violence, disrespect and a feeling of not belonging.
The main pillars of any sustainable society are compassion and respect for all its people. We will perish if we don’t learn to exercise love with our actions and not just words.
“Stay strong, there is always a rainbow after the storm”
DIVERSITY – AFFIRMING THERAPY: SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH FOR LGBTQ+AND MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES.”:
Everyone’s experience is very different and unique to their family ,social dynamics, and work settings, however, one element is and should be common to all individuals who are LGBTQ +identified: the pursuit of a supportive community, even if your biological ties failed to offer that support, there are plenty of resources available which you can lean on in your journey to preserve your identity, create protective boundaries and find a safe and loving space to alleviate all the stressors that sadly afflict this vibrant and resilient community.
SPECIFIC MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES FACED BY LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES-GENDER DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS:
Studies show that LGBTQ+ people experience at some point or another, a combination of stressors such as but not limited to:
- Rejection by family circles and friend groups
- Workplace harassment
- Physical threats and violence
- Discrimination in their housing communities
- Discrimination applying for jobs
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bullying at school
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal Ideation
- substance abuse
According to the The Affirmative Couch sadly “The brave and beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-love that leads to someone to come out as their most authentic self often leads LGBTQ+ individuals to the abyss of cultural ostracization”. Hence the extreme importance of finding help and support.
According to the National Library of Medicine gender diverse people oppressive experiences lead to substantial increase in depression, anxiety and substance abuse. UCLA Health explains the importance of a safe space for marginalized minorities “having a space where your identities, relationships, and families are immediately acknowledged and validated is an essential part of medical care.”.
HOW THERAPISTS CAN PROVIDE CULTURALLY COMPETENT CARE FOR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
Affirmative care for the LGBTQ+ and all gender minority people, including people of color, enables and empowers individuals by “validating and celebrating their identities.” according to Psychology Today Magazine. Inclusive therapy helps clients process traumatic and difficult experiences which threaten their identities and sense of self-worth. It empowers all individuals from marginalized groups who have diverse gender related issues, it provides them with tools and resources available that can foster a better understanding of how to cope with stressors from societal discrimination.
An inclusive mental health service provider such as Emerge Psychology Group in Chicago, IL, offers their clients counseling services by specialized therapists who understand the specific needs of any client struggling with mental health. It’s important to choose a therapist who knows all the LGBTQ resources available to their clients and is compassionate, empathetic and has the credentials to work with this particular community.
Diversity affirming therapists provide culturally competent services and care to all people with diverse backgrounds. There are so many different benefits from an intersectional approach in mental health care for gender diverse communities. Talking to a trained professional in a safe space, helps to alleviate the sadness and heavy negative feelings associated with depression and anxiety. Finding the tools together, connecting with someone who values you and appreciates you as you are, is critical for your healing journey. The pain is lighter when shared with someone you trust.
TYPES OF INCLUSIVE, DIVERSITY-AFFIRMING THERAPY PRACTICES AND RESOURCES THAT ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS FOR THE LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS AND MARGINALIZED GROUPS:
- CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy – techniques a culturally competent LGBQT+ therapist uses to treat anxiety and depression related to irrational thinking that could lead to negative emotions. In person or online at Emerge Psychology Group
- LGBTQ+ Counseling – Tailored specifically for the gender diverse population, this type of counseling helps clients navigate specific and complex issues relating to their identity, sexual orientation or sexuality. Emerge Psychology Group
- Trans Lifeline – A service that offers care and support to transgender individuals. The Trans Lifeline The staff is made up of trans people who can relate and can provide peer support.
- The Trevor Project – Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention non-profit organization for the LGBTQ+ young people. In addition to therapy, this type of service is a great resource available 24/7 all year round.
The journey to self-discovery is hardly ever easy. The road is bumpy, uncertain, and most of the times, it’s unbearably painful. It’s hard to understand why good people need to go to therapy to deal with what negative people do or say. But the focus must be on self-preservation, self-care and self-worth always.
You will see the rainbow after the storm.
Finding help improve and can save the lives of millions of people struggling with the stigma of being diverse. Until society grows and evolves to understand and respect this beautiful and resilient community, then, it’s up to us to protect the ones we love who are suffering for just being who they are.
May all the colors of this beautiful rainbow shine bright in your brave heart.
Be well. Be kind. Be brave.
AB
YOUR TRUE COLORS ARE BEAUTIFUL LIKE A RAINBOW
Cindy Lauper
HELPUL LINKS:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988
OTHER RESOURCES:
The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook
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