LGBTQ+ Mental Health

The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties will be focusing on the LGBTQ+ community's mental health in honor of Pride Month.

They face unique struggles as a marginalized community which impacts their mental health. We have gathered resources for anyone who is struggling or needing professional help.

The LGBTQ+ Community is Marginalized

Identifying as LGBTQ+ is not a mental illness or disorder.

LGBTQ+ individuals face discrimination, prejudice, denial of civil and human rights, harassment and family rejection, and social stigma. This can lead to new or worsened mental health conditions.

People in the LGBTQ+ community mental health issues at higher rates. 61% have depression, 45% have PTSD, and 36% have an anxiety disorder. - Rainbow Health

10% of LGBTQ+ individuals postponed care or didn’t receive care due to discrimination from health care providers. - Rainbow Health

40% of transgender individuals attempt suicide in their lifetime which is 9 times more than the overall rate in the U.S. - U.S. Transgender Survey

40% of LGBTQ+ adults have experienced rejection from a family member or a close friend. - Pew Research Center

Personal, family, and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Understanding the LGBTQ+ Youth Experience

86% of LGBTQ+ youth were harassed or assaulted at school. - GLSEN National School Climate Survey

A 2018 study found that transgender youth experience mental health diagnoses at higher rates than their peers. They are also more likely to report abuse. - Journal of The American Academy of Pediatrics

Two out of three survey participants reported that someone had tried to convince them to change their sexual orientation. - The Trevor Project

71% of LGBTQ+ youth reported feeling sad or hopeless. - The Trevor Project

These statistics show the discrimination and harassment LGBTQ+ youth face. They need our support. Help LGBTQ+ youth in your life by sharing this youth-specific resource with them.

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25. They have resources for adults & youth and a 24/7 support line.

24/7 Youth Line: 1-866-488-7386

Text Line: 678 678

Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals

It is just as mentally healthy to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, queer, questioning, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming as it is to be straight or cisgender.

Pride gives the LGBTQ+ community a space to connect and reduce isolation. Feeling connected in a community is linked with positive health.

Support the community in general and the LGBTQ+ individuals in your life by supporting pride month and encouraging participation.

How to be respectful:

Take their lead on which language terms to use
Be curious about their life without being invasive
Educate yourself on how to be a good ally
Be willing to make mistakes and try again without being defensive
Ask people about their preferred pronouns
Apologize if you make a mistake and move on
Do no ask trans-identified people about their birth name or medical steps toward transition

Be Proud and Care for Your Mental Health

You might even be showing symptoms of a treatable mental health issue and need professional help. A quick way to find out is to take a mental health screening. You can also take a screening on behalf of a loved one.

Take an anonymous screening at wecarepeople.org/screening.

You or a loved one might need professional help. The 24/7 Hopeline is a local helpline staffed by real people.

24/7 HOPELine: 1-800-567-4673

Crisis Text Line: 741 741

Call if you are in crisis, need to speak with someone about overwhelming feelings, or find local resources. You can also text 741 741.

There are also mental health and other specific hotlines for the LGBTQ+ community. These hotlines include:

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
The True Colors United (for homeless youth): 1-212-461-4401

LGBTQ+ Support Hotlines

Some LBGTQ+ individuals put off physical and mental health care out of fear of discrimination. Some individuals don't get the care they need because of discrimination. Get the care you need by finding the right mental health professional.

Get in-depth help for finding the right provider at bit.ly/lgbtqNAMI.

How to find the right mental health professional:

Think about what you’re looking for. Consider if you want a provider who also identifies as you do, specializes in LGBTQ+ care, or is competent in LGBTQ+ issues but not a specialist.
Gather referrals from the community. Many mental health professional directories offer search options. You can also connect with local LGBTQ+ groups for directories or preferred providers.
Gather referrals from the community. Many mental health professional directories offer search options. You can also connect with local LGBTQ+ groups for directories or preferred providers.