ATR Short List: 5 LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources You Should Know
Navigating life as an LGBTQ+ individual doesn't inherently lead to mental health challenges, but it can increase the likelihood of encountering mental health issues. According to a study conducted by Stonewall, the statistics are alarming:
Over the past year, half of LGBTIQ+ individuals have dealt with depression, and three out of five have faced anxiety.
LGBTQ+ adults (39.1%) are about twice as likely as non-LGBTQ+ adults (19.1%) to report they have been diagnosed with depression.
One in eight LGBTIQ+ people aged 18 to 24 have attempted to end their life.
Almost half of trans individuals have considered suicide.
These numbers underscore the urgent need for accessible and effective mental health resources tailored to the LGBTQ+ community. Fortunately, several organizations help create community, promote mental health awareness, and provide direct support. Check out our list of five organizations that can support LGBTQ+ mental health!
PS – Pride Month is for everyone, and these resources are here to make sure you feel supported, heard, and understood no matter where you are on your journey! 🌈💖 All resources listed here are committed to maintaining client privacy, and some also support allies. There’s something for everyone!
It Gets Better Project
Web Address: itgetsbetter.org
Target Audience: LGBTQIA+ youth
Description: Need a pick-me-up? The It Gets Better Project uplifts and empowers LGBTQ+ youth through inspiring stories and videos. Topics include LGBTQ+ fundamentals, Queer Sex Ed, and ways that queer youth are making an impact in the world. Additionally, their Get Help section includes several resources for all youth, regardless of identity.
Gender Spectrum
Web Address: genderspectrum.org
Target Audience: Non-binary and queer youth, their caregivers, educators, and allies
Description: Gender Spectrum provides education, resources, and support to help create gender-sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. They offer a wealth of information for non-binary and queer youth and their families, as well as tools to support gender discovery and identity.
LGBT National Help Center
Web Address: lgbthotline.org
Target Audience: All LGBTQ+ individuals
Description: Connect with caring folks who get it! The LGBT National Help Center offers free and confidential peer support, information, and local resources for LGBTQ+ people. They have multiple hotlines and chats for youth, seniors, those coming out, and people of all ages. Check out their film festival planned for the Fall!
Trans Lifeline
Web Address: translifeline.org
Target Audience: Transgender individuals
Description: Trans Lifeline is a lifeline of love and support specifically for transgender folks. Whether you’re in crisis or just need someone to talk to, their peer support hotline is here to make you feel seen and heard. Their Resource Library has hundreds of articles on all topics from allyship to immigration, as well as a directory of professionals committed to supporting those in the LGBTQ+ community.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Web Address: rainn.org
Target Audience: Anyone seeking support and/or advocacy for survivors of sexual violence
Description: Members of LGBTQ communities in the U.S. face higher rates of sexual violence than the general population. While many survivors face barriers that may prevent them from reporting sexual violence, such as the fear of being judged or not believed, members of LGBTQ communities often face additional barriers to reporting or getting help. RAINN helps ease those barriers by practicing in an open and inclusive manner. They offer resources for the LGBTQ+ community as well as a toolkit for friends and family to help support a loved one who has endured sexual violence.
