LGBTQ Individuals Are Twice as Likely to Develop a Mental Health Disorder
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, the suicidal thoughts occur between the age of 10 to 24 years. Between 38 and 65 per cent of transgender individuals experience suicidal ideation. Approximately 20 to 30 per cent of the LGBTQ population abuses substances, as opposed to an estimated nine per cent of the general population. High school students who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are almost five times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. Out of the 4% homosexual people in the US, 48% have considered suicide as an option in the past 12 months just because of non- acceptance by society. To come out of these suicidal thoughts, homosexual people make use of drugs, alcohol and other substances. They often self- harm themselves, Statistics say that with every verbal or physical harassment the possibility of self- harm increases by 2 ½ times.
Gay teens in U.S. schools are often subjected to such intense bullying that they’re unable to receive an adequate education. LGBT youth identified bullying problems as the second most important problem in their lives, after non-accepting families, compared to non-LGBT youth identifying classes/exams/grades. Youth who reported they were frequently harassed in school had lower grade point averages than students who were less often harassed. One survey revealed that more than one-third of gay respondents had missed an entire day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe there. LGBT youth feel they have nowhere to turn. Sixty per cent of LGBT students did not report incidents to school staff. One-third who reported an incident said the staff did nothing in response.
The 2011 National School Climate survey recommends:
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs): School clubs provide safe spaces and support networks for LGBT students. Students who attended schools with GSAs reported fewer homophobic remarks, more intervention from school personnel and a greater sense of connectedness.
Supportive educators: LGBT Students who report having a greater number of supportive staff (six or more) had higher GPAs.
Comprehensive bullying/harassment policies and laws: Students reported that school staff intervened twice as often in schools with comprehensive bullying/harassment policies.
Being an ally to someone who identifies as LGBTQ goes beyond merely accepting their lifestyle; it’s about using your privilege to fight homophobia, donating to or volunteering for organizations that fight for LGBTQ rights, and making sure that voices of the underprivileged are heard, particularly people of colour. However, truly stepping up for your LGBTQ friends and family may also mean supporting them through their struggles with mental health. It is intrinsic to your being. Not ‘supporting’ them is code for being bigoted.
