Each day, over 300,000 resilient lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) Coloradans navigate a world where stigma, discrimination, and the fear of harassment or violence persist. Far too often, they face the heart-wrenching loss of familial love, friendships, and vital community ties due to their LGBTQ+ identity.

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The act of coming out—a courageous step—can lead to profound emotional tolls. It should be a universal reality for all LGBTQ+ individuals to live authentically and securely, free from harm. Unfortunately, many experience ongoing trauma and stress that profoundly affect their mental well-being.

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The LGBTQ+ community has long been underserved, grappling with trauma within environments and systems meant to offer support. These challenges are exacerbated by intersecting identities. Recognizing this urgent need, Envision:You is committed to addressing these disparities and invites you to join us.

 

Together, we can erase behavioral health inequalities for the LGBTQ+ community.

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According to the World Health Organization:

• Approximately 970 million individuals worldwide are afflicted by mental, behavioral, or substance use disorders.

• Nearly one million lives are lost to suicide annually.

• Four of the six leading contributors to years lived with disability are neuropsychiatric disorders (depression, alcohol-use disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder).

• One in four families includes a member with a mental disorder, impacting their quality of life.

• Beyond health and social costs, those with mental illnesses endure human rights violations, stigma, and discrimination within and beyond psychiatric institutions and correctional facilities.

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The Trevor Project, a lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth, recently released their annual survey, exposing rising rates of suicidal thoughts and significant disparities among trans youth and LGBTQ+ youth of color. Shockingly, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously contemplated suicide in the past year, with nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempting suicide. Suicide rates have surged in the United States over the last two decades, with a staggering 129 deaths by suicide occurring nationwide each day.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of people around the world, and the LGBTQ+ community is no exception. LGBTQ+ people are already at a higher risk for mental health problems, and the pandemic has only exacerbated these risks. Emerging evidence indicates a substantial increase in mental health challenges among both the general population and vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

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There are a few things that can be done to help LGBTQ+ people cope with the mental health challenges of the post-pandemic world. These include:

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Reaching out for support: LGBTQ+ people who are struggling should reach out for support from their friends, family, and community. There are also a number of online and in-person support groups available for LGBTQ+ people.

Seeking professional help: If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your feelings and develop coping mechanisms.

Taking care of yourself: It is important to take care of yourself physically and mentally during this time. This includes eating healthy, exercising, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.

Staying connected: It is important to stay connected to your friends, family, and community. This can be done through in-person interactions, phone calls, video chats, or social media.