Understanding and Addressing Mental Health in LGBTQ+ Teens

By: Ffion Collins

Abstract

What are the Effects of Stigma and Discrimination? 

● Contributes to adverse health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people such as: ○ Major depressive disorder 

○ Binge Drinking 

○ Substance Use 

○ Suicidality 

● Increased likelihood of school dropout 

Challenges in Identity Formation: 

Due to the stigma and a lack of support, LGBTQ+ teens can often feel challenged in identity formation. This can include: 

● Identity dissatisfaction 

● Identity uncertainty 

● Stigma sensitivity 

● Identity centrality 

● Difficulty processing 

● Concealment motivation 

● Identity Superiority 

What is the Effect of Family and Peer Acceptance? 

● Greater self-esteem 

● Social support 

● General health status 

● Less depression 

● Less substance abuse 

● Less suicidal ideation and behaviors 

● Higher Quality of Life 

Impact of Bullying: 

● Increased risk for depression

● Suicidal ideation 

● Misuse of drugs and alcohol 

● Experiencing sexual violence 

● Engaging in unsafe sex practices 

● Negative effect on academics 

Possible Mental Health Resources: 

● GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students can learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Together we can transform our nation's schools into the safe and affirming environment all youth deserve. (Website: https://www.glsen.org/) 

● Imi creates guides built for and with LGBTQ+ teens to help you explore your identity and support your mental health. (Website: https://imi.guide/) 

● The Trevor Project has several direct online resources specifically for LGBTQ+ youth: ○ Trevor Lifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386. 

○ TrevorChat is a confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7, at trevorproject.org/get-help-now/. 

○ TrevorText is a confidential text messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7/365, by texting START to 678678. 

○ TrevorSpace is an affirming international community for LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24 available at trevorspace.org 

Importance of Supportive Communities and Networks: 

● LGBTQ+ teens benefit greatly from safe spaces where they can express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. 

● Support groups, online communities, and LGBTQ+ organizations provide essential emotional and social support. 

● Having mentors and role models from the LGBTQ+ community can promote a sense of belonging and help teens navigate their identity with pride and confidence. ● Schools that implement Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or similar programs help create inclusive environments, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting mental well-being.

● Supportive communities also provide important resources and information about sexual health, legal rights, and mental health services tailored for LGBTQ+ youth.

References: 

1. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). (2024, April 9). LGBTQI+ youth. StopBullying.gov. 

https://www.stopbullying.gov/bullying/lgbtq#:~:text=Bullying%20puts%20all%20youth%2 0at,that%20risk%20is%20even%20higher. 

2. Health, U. M. (2024, July 1). The benefits of social support on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth. unitémentalhealth. 

https://www.uniteyouthmentalhealth.com/post/the-benefits-of-social-support-on-the-me ntal-health-of-lgbtq-youth 

3. Katz-Wise, S. L., Rosario, M., & Tsappis, M. (2016, December). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and Transgender Youth and family acceptance. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5127283/#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20f amily%20support%20and,and%20behaviors%20among%20LGBT%20youth.&text=Family% 20support%20is%20also%20associated%20with%20less%20substance%20use%20among% 20LGBT%20youth. 

4. Kiperman, S., Schacter, H. L., Judge, M., & DeLong, G. (2022, March 25). LGBTQ+ youth’s identity development in the context of peer victimization: A mixed methods investigation. International journal of environmental research and public health. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8997505/#:~:text=These%20factors%20an d%20their%20definitions,(4)%20identity%20centrality%2C%20the

5. Mallory, C., Spears, B., Russell, S., & Brown, T. N. T. (2020, August 7). The impact of stigma and discrimination against LGBT people in Texas. Williams Institute. 

https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/impact-lgbt-discrimination-tx/ 

6. Parenthood, P. (n.d.). Info and resources for LBGTQ+ Teens and Allies. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/teens/lgbtq/info-and-resources-lgbtq-teens-an d-allies