LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning)
Lesbian, gay, transgender, bi-sexual, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals are almost three times more likely than others to experience a mental health condition such as major depression or generalized anxiety disorder. The fear of coming out and being discriminated against for sexual orientation and gender identities, can lead to depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, thoughts of suicide and substance abuse. LGBTQ youth are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender is not a mental illness in and of itself, because someone is LGBTQ does not automatically mean that they will experience a mental illness. However, LGBTQ people may face unique risks to their mental health and well-being.
Adapted from NAMI
Articles
Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
by American Psychological Association
Resources
LGBT National Help Center
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) National Help Center provides vital peer-support, community connections and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 4 pm to midnight, and Saturday, noon to 5 pm Eastern Standard Time.
1-888-THE – GLNH (843-4564)
[email protected]
LGBT National Youth Talkline
Peer support and resources for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.
800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30 pm to Midnight, Eastern time
[email protected]
The Trevor Project
A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.
Trevor Lifeline
A crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7
1-866-488-7386
TrevorChat
Available 7 Days A Week, (3pm–1am ET/Noon–10pm PT)
TrevorText
Text “START” to 678678. Standard text messaging rates apply.
Available 7 Days A Week, (3pm–1am ET/Noon–10pm PT).
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies
(239) 898-6124
[email protected]
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or
Text NAMI to 741741
Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention LifeLine
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
1-800-273-8255