The LGBTQIA+ community has faced significant challenges since the very beginning. It has been one of the most proactive groups in fighting for personal rights, to be treated fairly for the human beings they are. There are reported cases of individuals being verbally and physically assaulted simply because of who they are. These issues can create anxiety and depression.
This community has come a long way and made impactful changes for its community by coming together and standing up for individuality. After decades of advocating for their rights, the LGBTQIA+ community has laws protecting their rights and freedoms.
June is recognized as Pride Month, meant to spread greater awareness and love for this community that has endured so much strife. During Pride Month, people of all genders, races, nationalities, and anyone who is an ally come together and march to celebrate the right to be heard, free, and not live in fear.
The LGBTQIA+ community is composed of individuals who are socially and culturally united. The acronym "LGBTQIA+" stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual individuals. They celebrate liberty and freedom to be who they are.
The LGBTQIA+ community has and continues to face, many challenges. There was a time when identifying with a gender you were not born with was not accepted. This unacceptance led to global discrimination. The discriminatory outlook of society opened doors to bullying and intimidation. Because of hostile social environments, lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth were likelier to commit suicide than heterosexual youth.
Overcoming these challenges with allies supporting the LGBTQIA+ community has broadened society's outlook more positively. Still, there is a long way to go to ensure that these individuals feel safe in their bodies and environments across the nation.
Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or other genders suffer a disparity of anxiety and depression. Identifying as a community member makes a person more likely to face family rejection, harassment, and fear of violence. All of these things can result as members work to feel comfortable expressing their sexual orientation and gender identity freely. This discriminatory behavior from society can make individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community feel unwanted, different, and worse than a person simply because of their identity.
The anxiety and depression the LGBTQIA+ community struggles with can develop into mental health issues. There is an increased need to treat anxiety and depression in the LGBTQIA+ community. These mental illnesses develop and can lead to other things like substance use or abuse if they are not dealt with properly.
The factors noted above place an immense risk on the individuals of the LGBTQIA+ community for developing mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression. Every person, no matter how they identify as an individual, can experience anxiety and depression at some point in their lifetime. Having adequate support can help individuals overcome these mental health issues. Being supported and feeling accepted is a need every human requires.
Society must become more open to learning about others who do not share their identities. Likewise, education about the LGBTQIA+ community must continue to be widespread. Education can produce a more accepting society and, as a result, bring more support to this community. Society can reverse the rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide in the LGBTQIA+ community through more understanding and support.
There have been health inequalities discovered in the healthcare field. Some of these inequalities present a hardship for the LGBTQIA+ community when trying to get treatment. The lack of healthcare professionals being educated about members of the LGBTQIA+ community can create limitations for patients when seeking treatment. These limitations impact areas of behavioral health and medical services needed for treatment. The full scope of treatment is the only way to help an individual recover from feelings that develop mental health issues.
To improve health disparities for the LGBTQIA+ community, providers must be culturally informed. Education and understanding can provide knowledgeable care for individuals with different gender identities. This can ensure that there will be proper diagnosis and treatment when seeking mental health services or medical services. Appropriate healthcare can provide a person with self-confidence in who they are. It can also be a motivating factor to have a healthy, fulfilling life.
The LGBTQIA+ community has become an organization of its own. They are committed to advocating for equality in all areas of life. Persistence had such an impact that there are now eight states with laws giving the right to same-sex marriage. This was a massive milestone in the LGBTQIA+ community. Not allowing the right to marry who they love infringed on their life. Life is about being happy and comfortable. Standing firm on our beliefs no matter what can provide the result needed to ensure equal rights for all.
It is important to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and all they have accomplished. Determination led to the implementation of Pride Month, which displays true unity. The hope going forward is that there will be less anxiety, depression, and fear. Society has more understanding and knowledge of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community, thus accepting all for who they are and displaying equality.
At Pathways Wellness Center, we understand that treatment and recovery require a safe space where individuals feel seen and heard. We understand and take seriously the needs and care of individuals in the LGTBQIA+ community, which is why we strive to create awareness and advocate for better education, understanding, and equality for all. Our programs are designed to offer a safe space among professionals and peers where people can become vulnerable and express themselves and share their experiences with others. We also provide a space where families can work together to learn more about the issues that affect the LGTBQIA+ community. If you currently need help, call us today at (888) 771-0966; we're here for you.
