The LGBTQ+ community has gained significant acceptance in some parts of the world. However, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer continue to experience far worse mental health challenges than heterosexual persons, regardless of where they are in the world. The cultural notion of them being a sexual minority often adds to the violence and negligence they continually experience as a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Therefore, it’s crucial to ponder and reflect on the connection between the prevalent mental health challenges in the LGBTQ+ community and how people try to cope with them. Thanks to a wide range of online resources for them to seek emotional help and professional counseling services for everyone, it’s easier for people to practice healthier coping mechanisms and recover from these challenges.

Read on to learn about the three most common mental health struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals:

Minority Stress

The first issue is often the minority stress that individuals everywhere experience. It’s when they’re constantly made to feel like their sexual orientation isn’t ‘normal’ per societal standards, and they are persecuted for being a sexual minority.

This also prevents countless LGBTQ folks from embracing their true sexual identity, forcing them to lead double lives full of pretense and confusion.

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is another mental health challenge in the LGBTQ+ community that continues to worsen among people who don’t get the right help. This stems from the fear of experiencing violence if they try to participate in heterosexual social settings.

As a result, they start isolating themselves from the world and may often experience chronic anxiety and depression.

Suicidal Behaviors

Lastly, sometimes the mental health challenges in the LGBTQ+ community worsen over time and result in suicidal behaviors. This is an incredibly sensitive situation that requires the immediate guidance of a mental health therapist who can help such individuals feel hopeful about their lives again.

At Alternative Therapy, LLC, we understand the different mental health challenges in the LGBTQ+ community and can assist you in coping with them with our LGBTQ+ group therapy program. We’re committed to providing professional counseling services for everyone, regardless of their age, gender, and social status. Contact us today!