LGBTQ faces higher risks of mental heath issues, is social stigma to blame?

• comments
• 
• 

Scientists discovered that nonheterosexual adults face greater risks in mental health issues compared to heterosexual adults.

A study published on Psychological Science Journal observed and reported the identity, attraction and sexual behavior of over 33,000 adults, and came up with a conclusion that the nonheterosexual population is composed of 2.7 percent of the total number of women and 3 percent of the total number of men.

This also resulted in a finding that a large percentage of the nonheterosexual population is fighting against anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. The total percentage is so much higher compared to the percentage of heterosexual individuals who are suffering from these.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control says that most lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and questioning youths are considered to be happy individuals. Having a safe environment, and having a welcoming and supportive set of parents are big factors in contributing to their happy and successful life.

However, while it is true, there are also a large percentage of LGBTQ youths who faces discrimination and violence. This results to the rise of mental health problems. Due to this, they suffer from an increased risk for suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior, suicidal attempts and suicide.

Alyssa Norris, one of the authors of the study, told Yahoo Health that they expect an adult who has been rejected and abused by their parents, and bullied by the society to face a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Alicia H. Clark, a psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, supported Norris' statement. According to the psychologist, bullies, rejection and abuse can make a long-lasting impression on an individual's psyche.

Clark pointed out that she has already worked with a lot of non-heterosexual patients. As she is working with them, she came to realize that life is not that easy for them. Being different from the others makes them susceptible to chronic challenges. These challenges making their lives a little too difficult usually lead to mental health issues.

The study conducted by Norris and two other co-authors found out that more non-heterosexual women are abusing alcohol compared to heterosexual women. Also, they discovered that almost 30 percent of the non-heterosexual men is suffering from depression. The percentage is double the percentage of heterosexual men facing this problem.

Social stigma really affects the life of an individual in a major way. How about you? Are you also facing some problems due to any kind of social stigma?