Statistics for Mental Health Disorders in LGBTQI Community

By: Megan Eckles

According to NAMI (2022) LGBTQI stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex. This community of people make up a wide range of gender identification and sexual orientation. 

The Facts:

• Those in the LGBTQI community are twice more likely to experience a mental health condition, compared to that of heterosexuals
• According to a 2013 survey, 40% of LGBTQI adults have experienced rejection from a family member or a close friend (NAMI, 2022). 
• A 2019 school climate survey showed that 86% of LGBTQI youth reported being harassed or assaulted at school, which can significantly impact their mental health (NAMI, 2022).
• High school students who identify as LGBTQI are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to peers who identify as heterosexual.
• 40% of adults who identify as transgender have attempted suicide, compared to the 5% of the general US population.

How can you help?

• The Trevor Project- this program offers 5 key programs to help fight against suicide in the LGBTQI community. The programs include:
  • Crisis Services 
  • Peer Support
  • Research
  • Public Education 
  • Advocacy
• SAIGE (Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities)- is a division of the American Counseling Association, that strives to educate and help those in the LGBTQI community. They offer courses and certifications for mental health professionals. 

Hotline Numbers 

• LGBT National Hotline- 888-843-4564 Provides confidential peer support, information, local resources and more, for all ages.
• LGBT National Youth Talkine- 800-246-7743 Provides youth with confidential peer support, information, local resources and more, for callers though age 25. 
• LGBT National Senior Hotline- 888-234-7243 Provides senior callers, ages 50+ confidential peer support, information, local resources and more.

Resources:

http://www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org

https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQI

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources?s=Talking+about+Suicide