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Beyond the Rainbow Part 2:
The Hidden Struggles of LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
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As we continue to strive for inclusivity and acceptance, it is disheartening to acknowledge the persistent challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community when it comes to mental health. High suicide rates, increased substance use, and ongoing health disparities, especially in accessing healthcare, continue to cast a shadow over the lives of many queer people. It’s time to shed light on these issues to raise awareness, offer support, and promote conversations that contribute to a more compassionate and inclusive society for us all.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face a higher risk of suicide than the general population. This is especially true for queer youth. Alarmingly, nearly 42% of LGBTQIA+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, with transgender and nonbinary youth being disproportionately affected. The numbers are not much different for queer adults. 48% of transgender adults reported considering suicide in the last year, compared to only 4% of the overall US population. LGBTQIA+ youth who experience victimization based on their sexual orientation or gender identity are more likely to attempt suicide. These statistics reflect the seriousness of the concerns and struggles that queer people face with their mental health.
Multiple factors contribute to the increased suicide risk in the queer community. Discrimination, social rejection, and internalized stigma all play a role. Another significant factor is chronic stress, caused by the cumulative impact of prejudice, discrimination, and stigma that historically marginalized communities face. When LGBTQIA+ people internalize negative social attitudes and struggle with feelings of isolation, shame, and self-doubt, it can contribute to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. For Black and Brown queer people, this stress can be even greater than that of their white counterparts, leading to compounded mental health concerns and further social isolation from their peers.
On a positive note, the presence of accepting adults and environments that promote self-acceptance makes a huge difference in reducing the likelihood of suicide attempts among queer people.
82% of queer youth report that topics like support and acceptance would be helpful for the people in their lives to know more about, which demonstrates the critical role of loved ones in preventing LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns. There is an urgent need for support, acceptance, and available resources to effectively address the mental health concerns of LGBTQIA+ youth and adults.
Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone your know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it’s crucial to reach out for help. There are resources specifically designed to support LGBTQIA+ people. Seeking help is a courageous act, and there are people ready to listen and support you through your journey. You matter.
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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.
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - LGBTQ+ Resources
AFSP is dedicated to preventing suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people.
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Find Local Treatment and Support Resources | |
Teva Allergan CVS and Walgreens Finalize Opioid Settlement Agreements | Attorney General William Tong announced last week the final approval of $17.3 billion in opioid agreements with drug makers Teva and Allergan and pharmacies CVS and Walgreens. | | | |
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The Hub is Hiring a Full-Time Program Coordinator
Click for full description and to apply
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The CT Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity, (CWCSEO) along with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will be hosting a Juneteenth Panel Discussion. A flag raising ceremony will take place immediately following the panel discussion from 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM. The Juneteenth flag will be raised above the State Capitol! | |
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Need to Refer: Understanding Higher Levels of Care | TPN.health | |
June 23rd, 2023 10:30AM- 12:40PM EST - Online - Free
This session will provide therapists with an overview to better understand the landscape of higher levels of care. Therapists and providers will learn the ins and outs of higher levels of care, including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Residential treatment, to better understand the continuum of care. Attendees will understand how to best make a referral for a patient needing these treatment options.
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National Marijuana Facts Week® | National Marijuana Facts Week® (NMFW) is an annual, week-long, national health observance that raises public awareness about the dangers of today's high-THC marijuana on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide. | | | |
Disclaimer: The Hub shares information and resources on a variety of behavioral health topics. We do not endorse specific events, policies, agencies or products. | |
Attention Treatment Providers! | |
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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.
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To discourage teens and young adults from using vapes, the Fairfield Health Department teamed up with @fairfield_cares , A2V Media, and local high school students from Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Fairfield Warde High School, Fairfield Prep, and Norte Dame Catholic High School to produce a series of student lead anti-vape videos. These videos encourage their fellow classmates to “Don’t Start Now”. | |
Council Post: Moving From Stigma To Support In The Workplace When It Comes To Men's Mental Health | If you meet a young person today and begin speaking to them about mental health, it’s likely that they will transparently share their personal healing and need for balance, rest, therapy and a focus on wellness. I’m sure many of us in later stages of our careers have had this experience and found it both fascinating and enlightening. | | | |
Mental Health Care Lagging for LGBTQ Youth, Study Suggests | The U.S. saw only a small gain over six years in the share of mental health facilities that both serve young people and offer LGBTQ-specific care, according to a new study. | | | | |
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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
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