Today, adolescents are coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) at higher rates than ever before, and at younger ages. With this trend, public awareness and therapeutic services for LGBTQ individuals have significantly increased. Nonetheless, this population continues to be labeled “high-risk” when it comes to mental health. Although LGBTQ youth experience the same emotional ups and downs that are common to all people, they also face a number of other unique struggles.
Statistics show LGBTQ youth are three times more likely than others to develop a mental illness. Although there is no clear answer, LGBTQ youth’s increased risk for mental health struggles may be due to the difficulties these teens may potentially experience such as:
Not only are LGBTQ youth at increased risk for mental health struggles, such as anxiety or depression, but also things like substance abuse and suicide.
Within the LGBTQ youth community, the rates of substance and/or alcohol abuse are much higher than other adolescent/teen populations. It is estimated somewhere between 20-30% of LGBTQ teens abuse drugs or alcohol, which is significant when compared to the 10% of the general adolescent and teen population.
Additionally, Studies indicate LGBTQ youth are at a much higher risk for suicidal ideation and committing suicide than youth who do not identify as LGBTQ. In fact, research reveals LGBTQ teens contemplate suicide at three times the rate of heterosexual teens, and somewhere between 40-65% of transgender individuals experience suicidal thoughts.
Knowing your LGBTQ teen is at an increased risk for mental health struggles can be frightening. While certain things may be out of your control, there are ways you can support your child and promote mental health and overall well-being.
Finding adequate mental health treatment can be difficult in general. Yet, when it comes to the LGBTQ youth population, there are specific issues that could potentially arise. It is important to be aware of these possibilities, in order to identify effective treatment for your child.
These potential issues in treating LGBTQ youth have brought some awareness as to how mental health professionals can begin to close the disparity gap. The following guidelines can help mental health professionals provide effective treatment to this population.
If you are looking for services for your LGBTQ teen, contact Polaris Teen Center at 1-844-836-0222 to find out more about treatment options.
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This post was last modified on March 28, 2019 4:00 pm
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