Shaikh Aman, Kamble Prafull, Daulatabad Vandana, Singhal Anish, Madhusudhan U, John Nitin Ashok
Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Telangana, India.
J Family Med Prim Care. 2024 Sep;13(9):3529-3535. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_321_24. Epub 2024 Sep 11.
The LGBTQ community faces specific stressors rooted in societal discrimination, bias, and marginalization, impacting mental health significantly. Persistent discrimination, exclusion, and heteronormative expectations are identified as social determinants that contribute to heightened stress levels, resulting in increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has also severely affected the physical and mental health of a large percentage of the population, particularly impacting the health of marginalized individuals such as LGBT individuals. Studies consistently reveal alarming mental health disparities between LGBTQ individuals and their heterosexual counterparts, with elevated rates of mood disorders, substance abuse, and self-harm. Transgender individuals, in particular, face unique challenges, including high rates of gender dysphoria and discrimination-induced mental distress. The concept of intersectionality within the LGBTQ community emphasizes the compounded burden faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities, necessitating tailored mental health strategies. The societal context, including legal and policy frameworks, plays a pivotal role in shaping the mental health and scope for LGBTQ individuals. Supportive frameworks, such as anti-discrimination laws, marriage equality, and healthcare policies, contribute to societal acceptance and individual well-being. Additionally, efforts to destigmatize LGBTQ identities, comprehensive sex education, and public awareness campaigns challenging stereotypes are crucial for fostering a more inclusive societal mindset. Establishing robust support networks within the LGBTQ community, including initiatives providing mental health resources, counseling, community spaces, and allyship programs, is vital for community resilience. These efforts not only contribute to the well-being of individuals within the LGBTQ community but also work toward creating a more inclusive society. In conclusion, addressing mental health challenges within the LGBTQ community requires a multifaceted approach involving societal understanding, legal support, destigmatization efforts, and robust community resources. By acknowledging and comprehending the unique struggles faced by the LGBTQ community, society can collectively work toward building a more compassionate, supportive, and inclusive environment for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBTQ群体面临着源于社会歧视、偏见和边缘化的特定压力源，对心理健康产生重大影响。持续的歧视、排斥和异性恋规范期望被视为导致压力水平升高的社会决定因素，从而导致焦虑、抑郁和自杀率上升。此外，新冠疫情也严重影响了很大一部分人口的身心健康，尤其对LGBT等边缘化群体的健康产生了影响。研究一致表明，LGBTQ群体与异性恋群体之间存在令人担忧的心理健康差距，情绪障碍、药物滥用和自我伤害的发生率较高。特别是跨性别者面临着独特的挑战，包括性别焦虑症高发和歧视导致的精神困扰。LGBTQ群体中的交叉性概念强调了具有多重边缘化身份的个体所面临的复合负担，因此需要量身定制的心理健康策略。社会背景，包括法律和政策框架，在塑造LGBTQ群体的心理健康和发展空间方面起着关键作用。支持性框架，如反歧视法、婚姻平等和医疗政策，有助于社会接纳和个人福祉。此外，消除对LGBTQ身份的污名化、全面性教育以及挑战刻板印象的公众意识运动对于培养更具包容性的社会观念至关重要。在LGBTQ群体内部建立强大的支持网络，包括提供心理健康资源、咨询、社区空间和盟友计划的倡议，对于社区复原力至关重要。这些努力不仅有助于LGBTQ群体中个体的福祉，也有助于创建一个更具包容性的社会。总之，应对LGBTQ群体中的心理健康挑战需要采取多方面的方法，包括社会理解、法律支持、消除污名化努力和强大的社区资源。通过承认和理解LGBTQ群体所面临的独特困境，社会可以共同努力为所有人建立一个更具同情心、支持性和包容性的环境，无论其性取向或性别认同如何。
