To provide ongoing support for LGBTQ teens, look for a therapist, outpatient program, or residential treatment that provides culturally competent LGBTQ+ mental health services. If you’re not sure where to start, contact Newport Academy for information about finding a therapist or treatment program.
Full Answer
How to support LGBTQ youth?
The Trevor Project says that the pandemic has been especially difficult on LGBTQ youth, and part of the reason can be attributed to school closures, leaving many kids “confined to unsupportive or even abusive home environments, resulting in the loss of positive social connections,” Callery says.
How prevalent are mental health conditions among LGBT youth?
The study revealed that the risk of developing a mental health condition was three to 13 times higher for transgender and gender non-conforming youth than youth whose gender identity corresponded with their assigned gender at birth, also referred to as cisgender.
What are issues affecting the LGBT youth?
They found an increased risk of depression among LGBTQ youth when compared to their heterosexual peers. Exposure to peer victimization and lower satisfaction with family relationships are known risk factors. But the study also found that greater exposure to cyberbullying and unmet medical needs as additional risk factors.
Which is correct LGBTQ or GLBTQ?
While the international community has made great strides in LGBTQ rights in recent decades, there are still many countries participating in the Olympics that have discriminatory policies targeting LGBTQ people. This trend could lead to the targeting of queer athletes in those countries.
The Newest Statistics on LGBTQ Mental Health and Substance Abuse
A 2021 survey of more than 35,000 LGBTQ youth—of which nearly half were people of color and 38 percent were transgender or nonbinary—garnered new statistics on the mental health of LGTQ youth. The survey revealed how the pandemic and the political situation in 2020 have impacted LGBTQ teens. Here is a sampling of the findings:
5 Ways to Support LGBTQ Teens
In light of these devastating statistics, it’s essential for individuals, as well as society as a whole, to work toward greater awareness and understanding of the challenges that LBGTQ teens face.
Mental Health – Bottom Line
The government and human rights organizations should address the barriers to mental healthcare for LGBTQ+ youth.
MODEL: Samuel Njoroge
Samuel (he/him) is a freelance writer, blogger, copywriter, and marketer. And a career spanning three years and enjoys crafting error-free content that increases subscriptions and sales. Samuel excels in mental health, self-improvement, technology, and marketing topics.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not all youth currently have access to high-quality and culturally appropriate mental health care.
BACKGROUND
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth face large disparities in suicide risk compared to their non-LGBTQ peers.
METHODOLOGY
A quantitative cross-sectional design was used to collect data using an online survey platform between December 2, 2019, and March 31, 2020. A sample of individuals ages 13–24 who resided in the United States was recruited via targeted ads on social media.
RESULTS
The majority of LGBTQ youth (84%), reported wanting counseling from a mental health care professional in the past year; however, strikingly more than half of those who wanted it (54%) did not receive it. The LGBTQ youth in our sample span a wide range of social identities beyond being a member of the LGBTQ community.
RECOMMENDATIONS
While these data highlight that overall, LGBTQ youth are not able to access the mental health care they desire, they also show multiple steps that could improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ youth.
CONCLUSION
Now is the time to act to address barriers to quality mental health care for all LGBTQ youth. Never before has national attention focused so acutely on mental health and well-being in addition to inequities in the provision of health care.
REFERENCES
Alegria, M., Vallas, M., & Pumariega, A. J. (2010). Racial and ethnic disparities in pediatric mental health. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics , 19 (4), 759-774.
What is the LGBT national youth talkline?
The LGBT National Youth Talkline, provided by the LGBT National Help Center, is aimed at teens and features trained peer counselors who can offer advice and information on topics such as sexual health, coming out, mental health, and other topics.
What is Pride Counseling?
Pride Counseling offers online therapy to members of the LGBTQ+ communities. This service features counselors who not only specialize in helping people who are LGBTQ+, they also have experience with a range of issues including stress, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, and interpersonal conflicts.
What is GLMA health?
GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality is an organization that works to connect people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender with welcoming healthcare providers. You can visit the site to search their provider directory to find healthcare professionals in your area.
What is trans lifeline?
Trans Lifeline is a service devoted to offering care and support to transgender people. It provides peer support from a place of experience since the organization is staffed by trans individuals.
What are the challenges teens face?
Challenges that teens may face include lack of acceptance from their families and bullying by peers, both of which may play a role in increasing the risk of mental health concerns.
How to help someone who is rejected by their family?
In cases where people experience rejection by their own family, reaching out to friends and other sources of support is essential. Talking to a mental health professional can be helpful. You might start by discussing the issue with your doctor, who may be able to recommend a supportive professional in your community.
Why is online therapy important?
Online therapy, in particular, is an increasingly important way for people to access affirming therapy that is sensitive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning people.
