Prejudice and the social stress faced by the LGBTQ community

Every individual is different from one another in one way or the other. While individuality is seen as a strength, each one of us at some point of time has wanted to blend in with the group. But what happens when you can’t? What happens when no matter how hard you try you are still perceived not only as a queer personality but sometimes even as an unnatural person. This is the reality of life for most of the LGBTQ community. The fact that we refer to them as a separate community in itself is a marker of the discrimination barriers existing in the current society.

This is not easy...

The LGBTQ community go through a variety of problems in the form of hardships and discrimination on a regular basis. They are denied basic rights such as jobs and accommodation simply for being who they are. Statistics show that approximately 8 per cent of LGB individuals and nearly 27 percent of transgender individuals report being denied needed health care outright. Whether it be inadequate health or proper education, the queer community faces prejudice in every aspect of life. Contrary to their counterparts, same-sex parents struggle for the custody rights of children and also don’t have equal adoption rights that heterosexuals are automatically granted. This kind of stigma and discrimination affects the life of an individual to a great extent and gives birth to problems such as stress and depression. 

We normally tend to avoid or find a way out of the social situations which we are uncomfortable with. But imagine a living where your entire social life is made up of these situations. The LGBTQ community often suffers from neglect and disrespect from society and this moves them further away from healthy mental well being. Sometimes, social stress creates such an environment where people prefer to hide their true identity and lead their lives as heterosexuals in order to fall into the league. This, in turn, affects their mental health and self-confidence making their personalities subdued and caged in a shell. 

According to Mental Health America, research suggests that LGBT individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of their civil and human rights. Discrimination against LGBT persons has been associated with high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and suicide. As compared to people that identify as straight, LGBT individuals are 3 times more likely to experience a mental health condition. LGBT youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide, experience suicidal thoughts, and engage in self-harm, as compared to youths that are straight. 38-65% of transgender individuals experience suicidal ideation. An estimated 20-30% of LGBT individuals abuse substances, compared to about 9% of the general population.

Here is how therapy can help you

The numbers stated above clearly underline the gravity of the situation and it is high time that amends be made to cure past mistakes. Personal, family and social acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and personal safety of LGBT individuals and strong steps should be taken to make positive changes for their betterment. 

Therapy sessions are a safe haven for you to overcome the pain and distress caused by these prejudices.

Geetanjali Deole
Geologist and an aspiring psychologist

Geetanjali is an enthusiastic reader and a curious person who is intrigued by the far stretched mysteries of human brain. She strongly believes that free living can only be achieved with a free mind, and psychotherapy is the way to go for it. 

 

Geetanjali Deole
Geologist and an aspiring psychologist

Geetanjali is an enthusiastic reader and a curious person who is intrigued by the far stretched mysteries of human brain. She strongly believes that free living can only be achieved with a free mind, and psychotherapy is the way to go for it. 

Take the next step

Call at +91 86603 88394 and we can set up your free consultation.

If you would like to schedule an appointment instead, please click here:

Take the next step

Call at +91 86603 88394 and we can set up your free consultation.
If you would like to schedule an appointment instead, please click here: