Mental health challenges reach every demographic, but because of stigma and a resulting lack of connections, LGBTQ+ Americans disproportionately struggle with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. According to U.S. Census Bureau data collected between 2021 and 2022, LGBT adults reported symptoms of depression and anxiety (42.5% and 49.6%) at about twice the rate of heterosexual respondents (19.6% and 24.6%). According to U.S. Census Bureau data collected between 2021 and 2022, LGBT adults reported symptoms of depression and anxiety (42.5% and 49.6%) at about twice the rate of heterosexual respondents (19.6% and 24.6%).
According to Identity Insights Founder and Chief Executive Officer Devin Pinkston, one of the primary reasons the LGBTQ+ community faces higher rates of mental health struggle is a lack of belonging and community. She said one reason why the LGBTQ+ population is likely struggling with mental health at a higher rate is because minority communities are more likely to lack those connections in rural and conservative areas.
Identity Insights is a mental health counseling service in Grand Junction that Pinkston opened in 2016 after noticing a gap in welcoming environments and affirming therapy for the LGBTQ+ population. She said the certified counselors and therapists are all educated in the nuances and standards of care for LGBTQ+ and especially transgender clients. Pinkston added that while not every aspect of an LGBTQ+ person’s mental health is tied to their identity or orientation, it’s critical they know all aspects are accepted and feel comfortable in mental health settings.
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