Mental Health and LGBTQIA+ or Queer Identities: Why Support and Understanding Matter
- Ruhi Sinha
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.” - Audre Lorde
When we talk about mental health, it's important to recognise that everyone’s experience is different. For people in the LGBTQIA+ community — whether they’re gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or somewhere else on the spectrum — mental health can be a more complicated journey. Let us try to understand why.
How Identity Impacts Mental Health
People who identify as LGBTQIA+ or queer often face challenges that others don’t. They often face situations in which they are:
Rejected by family
Bullied at school
Judged at work
Socially ostracised
The impact of these daily stressors can lead to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts in the queer community making their mental health a priority.
In fact, research shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to struggle with mental health issues than straight and cisgender people. And the risk goes up even more for transgender individuals, who often face additional barriers like gender dysphoria (distress or discomfort about the mismatch between their gender identity — how they see themselves and their sex assigned at birth). Meanwhile, those who identify as bisexual frequently encounter erasure or skepticism, even within queer communities.
A strong theory that supports this claim is the Minority Stress Theory, which explains that mental health disparities among marginalised groups—such as LGBTQIA+ individuals—are not caused by their identities, but by external, chronic stressors like discrimination, rejection, and stigma. These stressors exist on top of general life stress, and they come in forms such as:
External (distal) stressors: bullying, family rejection, workplace discrimination, and healthcare denial.
Internal (proximal) stressors: internalised stigma, fear of rejection, or the pressure to hide one’s identity.
The root of these challenges isn’t the identities themselves, but rather the environments in which individuals live, grow, and seek support. Rejection from family, bullying at school, and systemic barriers in healthcare all contribute to emotional distress.
The Power of Support
Here’s the good news: support makes a big difference.
When LGBTQIA+ people feel accepted—by their families, friends, workplaces, or even their doctors—their mental health improves. Affirming environments help queer persons feel safe to be themselves, which builds confidence and resilience. That’s why it’s so important for mental health professionals to be inclusive and knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ issues and make their practice queer affirmative. A therapist who understands what you’re going through can make all the difference.
What You Can Do
Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, here are a few ways to support mental health across identities:
Educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ terminology and issues: Taking time to learn about LGBTQIA+ terms, identities, and experiences helps to better understand and support the community. Knowing correct language and current issues helps avoid misunderstandings, reduces stigma, and shows respect. Education is a key step in becoming a more informed, compassionate, and effective ally.
Advocate for awareness and inclusive mental health policies at work, school, and in healthcare: Raising awareness through greater visibility and providing support through implementation of inclusive policies are key components. Schools, workplaces, and communities benefit from inclusivity training and mental health education that normalizes diverse identities. When young people see positive representations of LGBTQIA+ lives, it can help build resilience and self-acceptance.
Support LGBTQIA+ organizations: Being involved in such organizations can facilitate providing mental health services by donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness. These groups offer safe, affirming care tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Your support helps expand access to therapy, crisis intervention, and community programs that can truly save lives and promote well-being.
Listen without judgment when someone shares their identity or struggles: Avoid interrupting, questioning their experience, or offering unsolicited advice. Just being present, respectful, and supportive can make a big difference in helping them feel seen, validated, and safe to be themselves.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves access to mental health care that respects who they are. Creating a more inclusive world starts with listening, learning, and leading with compassion. Because when we support LGBTQIA+ mental health, we’re making space for everyone to thrive. Whether through professional support or everyday empathy, mental wellness for all starts with acceptance.
Many LGBTQIA+ folks worry about being judged or misunderstood even by healthcare providers. In some places, especially rural areas, there may not be any LGBTQIA+ friendly services at all. That’s why online therapy and support groups have become such lifelines—they offer safe spaces to talk and heal without fear.
Get in touch with a queer affirmative therapist at The Social Therapist who can help you build resilience and self worth by navigating your gender identity or sexual orientation.
References
Mental Health America. (n.d.). LGBTQ+ mental health. Mental Health America. Retrieved July 27, 2025, from https://reliefmh.com/blog/mental-health-and-the-lgbtq-community/
Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674
Mills, K. (2023, November 18). Complex trauma in the LGBTQ+ community. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/complex-trauma-in-the-lgbtq-community-8665130
Morabito, N. (2025, March 20). Politics, bullying harming LGBTQ youth in Pennsylvania, report finds. Axios Pittsburgh. https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/20/politics-bullying-harm-lgbtq-youth-pennsylvania
King, M., Semlyen, J., Tai, S. S., Killaspy, H., Osborn, D., Popelyuk, D., & Nazareth, I. (2008). A systematic review of mental disorder, suicide, and deliberate self harm in lesbian, gay and bisexual people. BMC Psychiatry, 8(70). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-8-70
Reynolds, D. (2025, March 15). LGBTQ+ youth just lost a lifeline. Them. https://www.them.us/story/lgbtq-youth-lost-lifeline-988-shutdown-interviews
Santos, G.-M., Do, T. T., & Bassett, L. M. (2024). Addressing LGBTQ mental health: A societal imperative. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 13(9), 712–720. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_328_24
Edited by: Nishta C.
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