Mental Health of LGBTQI individuals:

The prevalence of mental health issues, like depression, anxiety disorders or post-traumatic stress disorders, is higher for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

These poorer levels of mental health are attributable to experiences of homophobic and transphobic discrimination and bullying. Other factors like age and religion can put other strains to an already difficult situation. The fear of coming out and being discriminated because of that, can lead do several mental health issues, too.

Also, LGBTQI people have a higher risk for suicide attempts. The support of one’s family plays a big role in the prevention of suicide in LGBTQI people. Someone who has no support from their family or who faces rejection after coming out will be more likely to attempt suicide than a person who is accepted and supported by their family. 

LGBTQI people also have in general higher rates of drug, alcohol and tobacco use due to factors like prejudice, discrimination, lack of peer support and cultural competency in the health care system.

One main problem is that LGBTQI individuals often feel unable to be open with their doctors or health care professionals and talk about their sexual orientation or gender identity in a way they would like to do because of the fear being discriminated. Many individuals of the LGBTQI community avoid medical care when they are sick or injured and do not get preventive care.

Since LGBTQI individuals are in a higher risk for mental health issues, offering treatment options and prevention aimed at them is vital. Because of the stigma and a lack of cultural sensitivity, it is often hard for LGBTQI people to get a treatment that fits them. Because of that it is important that we continue to strive for a better and more open health care culture and policy.

If you are struggling with suicide thoughts, please contact one of the following for help:

Telefonseelsorge (Languages: German)
☎ 0800 1110111
☎ 0800 1110222
☎ 116123

Muslimisches Seelsorgetelefon (Languages: Türkçe | العربية |  اردو )
☎ +49 30 4403 08 454
⇨ http://www.mutes.de/home.html

Telefon Doweria (Languages: Русский(
☎ +49 30 4403 08 454
⇨ http://telefonseelsorge-berlin-brandenburg.de/6_Doweria/index.html