What is the health problem?
LGBT people are at higher risk of suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders (Cigna, 2017). LGBT people are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide (HealthyPeople.gov., 2020). Depression and anxiety are often the result of fearing of coming out and social discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity (Hafeez et al., 2017). They also have the highest rates of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use (HealthyPeople.gov., 2020).
Which groups are most likely to be at risk?
All LGBT people are likely to report more mental health conditions and overall poor mental state. Transgender individuals are more often a subject of victimization and mental health issues.
What social/behavioral/health system determinants affect this?
- LGBT people often have less access to the health care they may need, which leads to worsening the symptoms and condition becoming severe or even chronic.
- LGBT people are more likely to be refused or harassed by mental health providers.
- A lack of legal protection from bullying and abuse.
- A lack of social programs targeted at LGBT people. Interventions that the community could offer to prevent and or support the health issue.
- Educate mental health workers of LGBT mental health disparities.
- Introduce policies for mental health care workers treating LGBT patients.
- Organize support events and organizations in the mental health field for the LGBT community.
Use this space to write a short conclusion for your infographic and/or to provide a call to action.
What resistance might be met in implementing the intervention?
- A lack of training or special education for mental health care workers.
- Stigmas and institutional biases in the health care system.
- The minority status of the LGBT community.
- Very few role models for the LGBT community.
References
Cigna. (2017). LGBT Health Disparities. Web.
Hafeez, H., Zeshan, M., Tahir, M. A., Jahan, N., & Naveed, S. (2017). Health care disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth: A literature review. Cureus, 9(4).
HealthyPeople.gov. (2020). Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health.