Anxiety & Depression

Learn to enjoy life again

Anxiety and depression are the most common mood disorders affecting people in the United States. However, when you add the pressures of identifying with a different sexual orientation or gender identity, these mental health concerns only amplify and affect your life more deeply.

LGBTQ+ and Mental Health

LGBTQ+ individuals are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety and difficulties with substance use than heterosexual and cisgender individuals. 

 

Trouble Coping

LGBTQ+ folks often have to cope with stigma, discrimination, and violence. When also dealing with a mental health condition, these difficulties are often amplified; for instance, an LGBTQ+ individual might feel stigmatized twice: once for their mental health issues and also for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Add to this to their experience of discrimination and the possibility of violence, and it can all become incredibly overwhelming.

Isolation & Loneliness

It’s normal for LGBTQ+ individuals to feel isolated or lonely. Depending on how “out” you are, you might not feel comfortable being yourself in public areas, and thus choose to spend more time alone. Some LGBTQ+ individuals feel that they must hide their sexual orientation or gender identity due to past experiences or potential fears of violence. Painful experiences of rejection by others in the past may also affect the way you operate in future relationships.

Negative Feelings

Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ individuals tend to have negative feelings about themselves because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. While it may not be something easily described, often LGBTQ+ individuals grow up with the sense that they are “different” and therefore “wrong”. The homophobia or transphobia they experience can often be internalized, and negative feelings can quickly become self-hatred. 

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the struggle with mental health on top of all else that they experience is taxing and difficult to manage.

Learn How to Fight Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety and depression are not enjoyable, but they aren’t impossible to deal with. There are many steps you can take to fight anxiety and depression. Schedule a session today to begin.