The BUISE Foundation

Monumental Monday Message ‼️‼️
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June is Pride Month and we want to highlight some of the mental health challenges that are specific to LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. Remember to always be kind because you never know what someone is battling.

1. Depression
LGBTQ+ individuals report higher rates of depression than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Contributing factors may include:

❤️Experiences of discrimination and prejudice
❤️Family rejection
❤️Social isolation
❤️Bullying and harassment
❤️Internalized stigma

2. Anxiety Disorders
Many LGBTQ+ people experience elevated levels of anxiety due to:

💚Fear of rejection or discrimination
💚Concerns about coming out
💚Safety concerns in public spaces
💚Workplace or school-related stress

3. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Research consistently finds that LGBTQ+ youth and adults are at increased risk for:

💙Suicidal ideation
💙Suicide attempts
💙Self-harm behaviors

Risk is often associated with minority stress, rejection, victimization, and lack of social support rather than LGBTQ+ identity itself.

4. Substance Use Disorders
Some LGBTQ+ individuals may use alcohol or drugs to cope with:

💜Stress and discrimination
💜Trauma
💜Social pressures
💜Mental health symptoms

Studies have found elevated rates of substance use among some LGBTQ+ populations compared to heterosexual and cisgender populations.

5. Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress
LGBTQ+ people may experience trauma related to:

💛Hate crimes
💛Physical or sexual violence
💛Family rejection
💛Homelessness
💛Conversion therapy experiences

These experiences can contribute to symptoms of PTSD and complex trauma.