Mental Health | Student Health Services | SIU

LGBTQ+ youth already face increased risk of anxiety and suicide and disproportionate rates of unemployment and unstable housing. The COVID-19 global pandemic has the potential to exacerbate these ongoing concerns and to create new, unique problems for LGBTQ+ youth. At The Trevor Project, we know that positive social connections are vital for suicide prevention and we are hearing from an increased number of LGBTQ+ young people who no longer have access to their usual support systems. Some LGBTQ+ young people have even been forced to confine themselves in unsupportive or abusive environments.

It’s critical to remember that physical distancing does not have to mean social isolation. We’re telling LGBTQ+ youth: Do all you can to stay connected with your friends, family, or chosen family. If you have access, try using the Internet to contact loved ones or to find affirming community online, like on TrevorSpace. Focus on your mental health and set aside time for self-care. And if you’re ever feeling hopeless, please call, chat, or text The Trevor Project. Our trained counselors are here for you 24/7. You are not alone.

Trevor Project life line: 1-866-488-7386

LGBTQ+ people with mental health conditions may also find themselves fighting a double stigma. Many will experience prejudice based on their sexual and/or gender identity as well as the stigma associated with mental illness. Confronting these challenges and mental health symptoms with an LGBTQ+ inclusive therapist can lead to better outcomes, and even recovery.

Early intervention, comprehensive treatment and family support are key to helping LGBTQ+ people live well with a mental health condition. But many people in this community struggle in silence—and face worse health outcomes as a result.

LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition.

LGBTQ+ people are at a higher risk than the general population for suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.

48% of all transgender adults report that they have considered suicide in the past 12 months, compared to 4% of the overall US population.

Each episode of LGBTQ+ victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average.

Substance misuse refers to the unhealthy use of illegal or prescription drugs. Lesbian and bisexual women have higher rates of nicotine and alcohol use throughout their lives. Gay men are more likely to smoke and use stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine.

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ+) often face social stigma, discrimination, and other challenges not encountered by people who identify as heterosexual. They also face a greater risk of harassment and violence. As a result of these and other stressors, sexual minorities are at increased risk for various behavioral health issues.

Families, professionals and policymakers can help prevent substance misuse by supporting all individuals struggling with substance use and ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals have equal access to that support.

Symptoms of substance misuse include:

• Using one or more substances on a regular basis
• Increasing use of substances to feel the same high
• Planning activities involving substance use in advance
• Lying to or avoiding friends or family to use substances
• Major changes in mood or behavior
• Continued use despite negative consequences

Counseling and Psychological Services provides LGBTQ+ affirming individual and group therapy for SIU students who would like to talk with someone about their substance use.

LGBTQ+ students face problems similar to those experienced by other students, including relationship and family problems, academic and career concerns, anxiety, and depression. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse can all contribute to an increased risk of suicide. Over half of adolescent lesbian and bisexual women and nearly 3 in 10 adolescent gay and bisexual men have attempted suicide.