You Can Support LGBTQIA+ Teen Mental Health

It’s time to talk about something important to LGBTQIA kids and teens everywhere: mental health. Queer youth face unique mental health challenges every day that leave many feeling down and anxious. In fact, 81% of LGBTQIA young people report wanting mental health care in the past year. Let’s examine some of the issues facing LGBTQIA youth today, the ways resilience is built, and available resources to support mental well-being. 

Challenges Faced by LGBTQIA Youth

Being an LGBTQIA youth comes with unique challenges that can impact mental health. Studies and recent reports show that many queer young people face higher rates of mental health struggles compared to cisgender (those who identify with their assigned gender at birth) or heterosexual (straight) peers, such as:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-Harm
• Eating Disorders
• Suicide 

There are many factors that contribute to these struggles. These include:

• Prejudice and Discrimination
• Bullying, Including Cyberbullying
• Lack of Acceptance
• Anti-LGBTQIA Victimization (threats of conversion therapy, violence, sexual assault)
• Lack of Access to Affirming Care
• Anti-LGBTQIA Policy and Legislation

For example, when LGBTQIA identity is not included in school lessons, it can deeply affect the self-esteem, self-worth, and mental well-being of queer kids and teens.

Acceptance is crucial to fighting the challenges faced by LGBTQIA youth. LGBTQIA youth who had access to affirming homes, schools, community events, and online spaces reported lower rates of attempting suicide compared to those who did not. Affirming gender identity for gender expansive (gender non-conforming) youth such as Trans, Non-Binary, or Two Spirit young people also results in consistently lower suicide attempts. 82% of LGBTQIA youth reported that if people in their lives knew more about support and acceptance of the queer experience, it would be helpful to them feeling more included and accepted overall.

The Trevor Project Helpline

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% free.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - LGBTQ+ Resources

AFSP is dedicated to preventing suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people.

Find Local Treatment and Support Resources

The Hub is Hiring a Full-Time Program Coordinator

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• Program Coordinator Workplace Opioid Education

Disclaimer: The Hub shares information and resources on a variety of behavioral health topics. We do not endorse specific events, policies, agencies or products. 

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As you may know, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), in

collaboration with Shatterproof, a national non-profit, is rolling out Treatment Atlas,

www.TreatmentAtlas.org, in Connecticut this fall.

This free, multi-state, web-based platform will help ensure that Connecticut residents and their

loved ones that need help for Substance Use Disorder can quickly and easily access treatment

resources and information that meets their individual needs. DMHAS is partnering with

Shatterproof to collect data from Connecticut’s licensed drug and alcohol treatment providers to

be included in the Atlas platform.

We would like to remind you that the open enrollment period for Treatment Atlas for Connecticut

addiction treatment facilities will be closing on June 30th, 2023, and we encourage your

participation!

If you have not received information about enrolling, please contact Angad Buttar Atlas Senior

Director, at AButtar@shatterproof.org or (860) 214-749.

United Way is hiring for several jobs in Bridgeport, Danbury and Stamford. View the open positions on their website.

The Hub: Behavioral Health Action Organization for Southwestern CT

A division of the Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership (RYASAP) 

Visit us online at thehubct.org

Newsletter designed and created in collaboration with Daydream Communications, LLC