June 2023
Those who identify as a different sexual orientation or gender than the majority of the population are a part of the LGBTQ+ community; LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more. The LGBTQ+ community faces various challenges that can sometimes create mental health issues or substance abuse disorders.
It is important to understand that identifying with the LGBTQ+ community is not a mental illness itself. However, many members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly younger members, experience mental health issues and substance abuse disorders due to the discrimination, shame, and traumatic events they experience
Members of the LGBTQ+ community are at high risk of experiencing this discrimination, shame, and trauma. Thankfully, with a supportive family and community, someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ can overcome adversity. In fact, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community utilize mental health services at 2.5 times the rate straight individuals do.
It is essential to understand the LGBTQ+ community, the challenges that affect this community, and the mental health issues and substance abuse disorders that can occur. It is also imperative to explore the available and ideal treatment options for members of this community. (healthyliferecovery.com)
The LGBTQ+ community have higher risks of mental illness including long-term psychological or emotional problems. This is found to stem from regularly facing prejudice, harassment, and discrimination. The social challenges and related traumatic events that LGBTQ+ individuals experience creates an elevated prevalence of PTSD in people who identify as LGBTQ+ compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
Transgender people attempt suicide 9x more than the entire US population.
LGBTQ+ adults are at least 56% more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder and almost 3x as likely to develop another type of substance use disorder.
Click here for some LGBTQ+ health STATISTICS
The Trevor Project – To end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer
& questioning young people.
Learn about LGBTQ+ history here
LGBT NATIONAL COMING OUT SUPPORT HOTLINE: 888-OUT-LGBT (888-688-5428)
RESOURCES
If you identify, are an ally, or would like to learn more then these resources are for you.
- LGBT National Help Center – https://www.lgbthotline.org/
- LGBTQ Mental Health America
- Equality and Human Rights Commission – https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en
- CT Community Care – https://ctcommunitycare.org/lgbt-resources
- CT Programs and Services for LGBTQIA+ Individuals with Mental Health and/or Substance Use Disorders – https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/Programs-and-services/Finding-Services/LGBT-Services
- Options Rhode Island – https://www.optionsri.org/resources – A fantastic resource for everything LGBTQ in RI
- Youth Pride RI – https://www.youthprideri.org/ (programs for Rhode Island youths ages 9 – 18+)
Connecticut Pride – https://pride-ct.org/
Rhode Island Pride – https://prideri.org/
Did you know???? The + in LGBTQ+ is there because the acronym is 12 characters long? Without the + sign it would be LGBTQQIP2SAA. The term stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, and ally.
If you, or someone you know, may be in need of support and you’re not sure where to start, you can contact HR. We are not health professionals but we do have resources to provide you with a starting point. Sometimes a starting point is all you need. We also have more information and resources on this portal, Employee Resources.
