History of lgbtq+ mental health treatment
Statistically speaking, individuals belonging to the LGBTQ+ community have a higher risk of experiencing mental health conditions. Still, there are few studies on why it seems to correlate with the prejudice they experience. As I am researching information on this topic, the google recommendations are full of unpleasant questions regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Regardless of what is contributing to this statistic, the fact still stands. That brings me to wonder what treatment is available for the LGBTQ+ community regarding their mental health.
Let us start at the beginning. While the talk of mental health and psychology has always been stigmatized, those who identified as Queer dealt with prejudice even within the discussion. Identifying as Queer was labeled a mental illness, meaning you could have been treated for this “disorder.” These treatments were unsurprisingly not successful and led to the community being traumatized. However, these treatments were minor compared to what was to come in the medical field - conversion therapy.
Those seeking help for their mental health conditions, and those who were not, were exposed to conversion therapy. Since identifying as Queer was considered a mental illness, they thought they could be cured with conversion therapy. These individuals were physically and mentally tortured at the hands of doctors that were "trying to help them."
These traumatizing experiences not only led those individuals to experience higher levels of depression and suicidal thoughts. They also led to them being afraid to reach out for real help. The notion of conversion therapy stops a lot of individuals from reaching out when struggling. That is because they are scared of what kind of treatment they might receive.
While lately the talk of the LGBTQ+ in the medical field has become more open, and treatments have improved from conversion therapy, there are still many issues that exist within the treatments. To name one, transgender people are not allowed in treatment centers for their preferred gender. Regardless of how you identify, imagine struggling with your mental health, and you decide (or are forced to) receive treatment. Then you are put in a center full of people of your opposite sex. Imagine how uncomfortable you would feel in a place that is supposed to contribute to you feeling better.
Politically, socially, and medically, a lot of work needs to be done regarding the LGBTQ+ community and mental health. The first step is spreading awareness. That is what I hope to do with this blog.
For more information in regards to mental health surrounding the LGBTQ+ community visit https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQI
Depending on where you live, there are treatment centers to try and help the LGBTQ+ community specifically. Research “lgbtq+ mental health residential treatments near me.”
For other mental health resources for the LGBTQ+ community, visit The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ and the trans lifeline: https://translifeline.org/
