LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Anxiety, Depression, Identity, and Affirming Care

06.04.2018

Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Understanding Anxiety, Depression, and Related Disorders

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) is focused on the prevention, treatment, and understanding of anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, and related disorders through scientific research, education, and evidence-based clinical practice.

Empirical research has documented that individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ report higher prevalence rates of certain mental health conditions. These differences have been associated in the research and clinical literature with factors such as exposure to discrimination, social stigma, and challenges in accessing mental health services.

Through supporting research initiatives, sharing evidence-based resources, and encouraging informed clinical approaches, ADAA contributes to efforts aimed at improving the understanding and treatment of anxiety, depression, and related disorders across diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals.

We invite you to share your story and connect with others who understand your experiences. Learn more about:

Recognizing Overlapping Identities and Barriers to Anxiety and Depression Care
Why Identity Matters for Mental Health
Understanding LGBTQ+ Youth and Early Mental Health Risks
Finding the Right LGBTQ+-Affirming Mental Health Provider
Additional LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources from ADAA

Recognizing Overlapping Identities and Barriers to Anxiety and Depression Care

LGBTQ+ individuals are three times more likely to experience a mental health disorder compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. This increased risk is due to discrimination, harassment, trauma, and social rejection (collectively known as minority stress), which contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and related disorders.

When LGBTQ+ identity intersects with other marginalized identities, such as being part of BIPOC communities, having a disability, or living with financial instability, the emotional toll can increase. These overlapping identities can also make accessing effective mental health care even more difficult.

Research suggests that 40% of LGBTQ+ adults experience a mental health disorder each year, compared to 18% of adults overall. Despite the need for care, many report being denied treatment, facing stigmatizing language, or being told their sexual orientation or gender identity is the cause of their psychiatric challenges. Such experiences can deter individuals from seeking help, contributing to the impact of anxiety and depression.

Why Identity Matters for Mental Health

For LGBTQ+ individuals, identity affirming and validating treatment plays a major role in maintaining positive mental health. Using affirming language and correct pronouns communicates respect and belonging which are key protective factors against anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Misgendering or exposure to anti-LGBTQ+ language can cause emotional harm and reinforce negative stereotypes. These experiences are linked to increased loneliness, lower self-esteem, and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Fostering an inclusive and supportive environment starts with understanding and respect. Recognizing and affirming someone’s identity helps promote mental resilience and healing.

Explore ADAA’s LGBTQ+ Inclusive Language Guide to learn more.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health and Early Risk for Anxiety and Depression

Adolescence is a critical period for emotional development, and many mental health disorders including anxiety and depression emerge during this stage. LGBTQ+ youth face additional stressors known as minority stress which include bullying, family rejection, discrimination, and stigma, all of which can significantly increase mental health risks.

LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to experience symptoms of depression.
They are four times more likely to attempt suicide or engage in self-harm.
Youth from rejecting families are eight times more likely to attempt suicide than peers with accepting families.

The Trevor Project has published their 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. The study shows LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. face high rates of suicidality and victimization, worsened by anti-LGBTQ+ politics. The survey results:

36% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including 40% of transgender and nonbinary young people.
1 in 10 LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year.
44% of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.
90% of LGBTQ+ young people said recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws, policies and debates caused them stress or anxiety.
LGBTQ+ young people of color attempted suicide at higher rates than their White peers, and nearly a third (32%) also experienced racial or ethnic discrimination, in addition to anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Transgender and nonbinary young people who wanted hormones but couldn't access them were nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide than those who could.
Over half (59%) of LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-17 experienced bullying in the past year, and those who did reported significantly higher rates of attempting suicide in the past year than their peers.
LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than a third of the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities.

Supportive families, schools, and mental health professionals play a life-saving role in protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harmful effects of rejection and discrimination. Early, affirming intervention can prevent long-term anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Finding the Right LGBTQ+-Affirming Mental Health Provider

Choosing an LGBTQ+ affirmative clinician is essential for the effective treatment of anxiety, depression, and related disorders. LGBTQ+ individuals may seek therapists who demonstrate cultural competence, affirming practices, experience supporting diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and knowledge of evidence-based treatments for anxiety and depression.

Before scheduling an appointment, consider asking about the provider’s background and approach to LGBTQ+ mental health, including their awareness of minority stress. It’s important to ensure they offer a safe, inclusive space for open dialogue and healing, in addition to evidence-based treatment for anxiety and depression. When seeking a mental health professional, select someone familiar with treating anxiety and depression in LGBTQ+ individuals and the potential impacts of minority stress.

Inclusive provider directories and networks include:

ADAA LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources

Due to LGBTQ+ individuals being more likely to seek mental health treatment, clinicians have an exciting opportunity to provide LGBTQ+-affirming therapy, which can greatly improve mental health outcomes. This requires training in how to best support LGBTQ+ individuals. ADAA provides expert resources, educational webinars, and personal stories to empower LGBTQ+ individuals and mental health professionals alike.

ADAA Webinars

ADAA Blogs

ADAA Infographics

Personal Stories:

Community LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources

Access professional support, crisis services, and educational materials designed for the LGBTQ+ community. (Inclusion of these resources does not represent an ADAA endorsement but reflects our commitment to comprehensive support.)

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact: The Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) or 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 confidential support.