Mental Health Concerns of the LGBT Community Adapted from SAMHSAs - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Mental Health Concerns

• f the LGBT Community

Adapted from SAMHSA’s Top Health Issues for LGBT Populations

http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Top-Health-Issues- for-LGBT-Populations/SMA12-4684

Mental Health

Lesbians—Experience more mental health disorders, i.e. major depression, anxiety, PTSD Gay Men—higher rate of depression and anxiety (worse for those “in the closet.” Bisexuals-Up to twice as likely to report depression symptoms than heterosexuals, lowest level of emotional well-being of other

• rientations

Transfolk—Data is limited. More likely to report?

Substance Abuse

Lesbians—1.5-2x more likely to smoke, more likely to drink heavily Gay Men—more likely to smoke, drink, use illicit drugs (not meth) Bisexual Women more likely to binge drink or smoke than lesbians or heterosexuals Transfolk—High rates of tobacco, meth, IDU

Suicide

Lesbians—2-2.5 x more likely to experience suicidal ideation. Gay Men—higher rates of suicide completions Bisexuals—higher levels of self-harm and suicide attempts than other orientations Transfolk—suicidal ideation 38-65%, attempts 16-32%

Body Image/Obesity

Gay Men—Much more likely to experience bulimia or anorexia nervosa Lesbians—More likely to be overweight than heterosexual woman Bisexual women—more likely to be underweight than heterosexual and lesbian women

Causes for Disproportion

Stigma Violence—societal and personal Childhood traumas Inaccessible healthcare Homelessness Discrimination

Obstacles

Lack of data Mistrust Cultural norms Stigma