LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
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What Does LGBTQIA Stand For?
The acronym LGBTQIA, an expansion of the previously used LGBT, was broadened to encompass a more significant number of individuals. Some individuals argue the practice of grouping those who are not heterosexual or cisgender (or neither) under this acronym, which may or may not accurately represent their particular sexual orientation or identity, is itself an exclusionary act. Others explore alternative terms, such as GSM (gender and sexual minorities) or LGBTQ+, that may better represent the wide variety of identities and orientations people may have.
The current acronym represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, and asexual.
The “Q” in the acronym stands for both queer and questioning (as these terms are not synonymous. Some people use the term “queer” as an umbrella term instead of LGBTQIA, but not all people identify as queer or choose to use this term.
Some consider the “A” to stand for “ally” or “asexual.” but some controversy exists regarding the inclusion of allies in the acronym, as “ally” is not a gender identity or sexual orientation.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Issues and Coping with Stigma
Research suggests that LGBTQ individuals seek mental health treatment more often than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. This may be due to the stigma and discrimination LGBTQ+ individuals regularly face, from society, family members, peers, co-workers, and even classmates. This discrimination contributes to the higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles among LGBTQ+. Those in the LGBTQ+ community are also much more likely to have a substance abuse problem, engage in self-harm behaviours, and experience suicidal thoughts.
The most common issues faced by LGBTQ+ persons are:
Gender dysphoria – gender dysphoria is a psychological condition experienced by individuals whose gender identity and expression do not match the gender assigned at birth. Gender dysphoria can cause significant distress and affect a person’s overall mental well-being.
Sexual identity issues – sexual identity issues can refer to numerous concerns. Sexual identity (or sexual orientation) relates to the emotions, thoughts, feelings, and fantasies that contribute to a person’s sexual or romantic attraction to another person. LGBTQ+ individuals often go through periods of questioning their sexual identity, which can cause confusion and stress. Also pertinent to the LGBTQ+ community and sexual identity issues is the “coming out” process and coping with the reactions of friends and family.
What is LGBTQ+ Therapy?
Many lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer individuals seek counselling for reasons similar to non-LGBTQ+ individuals (such as depression, anxiety, grief, couples therapy, work stress, etc.). And while some issues have little to do with sexuality, gender, or identity, the LGBTQ+ community also has their own set of unique challenges.
Over the past several years, the general public seems to have become more aware of the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. With this heightened awareness, mental health services have become more tailored to this population’s needs. One way this is being carried out is through LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy. This psychotherapy approach focuses on empowering LGBTQ+ individuals in all areas of life and relationships.
Hope Trust therapists working from an affirmative approach seek to honour the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and help them navigate the challenges effectively.
Seeking Online Therapy for Gender and Sexual Identity Issues
Though many therapists may be qualified to help, sometimes LGBTQ clients feel more comfortable with an LGBTQ therapist or at least with a therapist who specializes in or has a great deal of experience with LGBTQ issues. To consult such a therapist, click here.