Mental Health in the
LGBTQ+ Community
• Mental health concerns affect many people, yet members of
the LGBTQ+ community often face unique pressures that
increase their risk for anxiety, depression, and other disorders.
Patterns of stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion can
create a prolonged state of tension, contributing to both
emotional distress and physical health problems.
Who Makes Up the LGBTQ+
Community?
• Lesbian: Women attracted to women
• Gay: Men attracted to men
• Bisexual: Attracted to more than one gender
• Transgender: Gender identity differs from birth sex
• Queer/Questioning: Non-heterosexual or exploring identity
• +: Includes intersex, asexual, non-binary, etc.
Common Mental Health Issues
LGBTQ+ individuals face:
• Higher rates of depression and anxiety
• Increased suicidal thoughts, especially in youth
• More substance use as a coping mechanism
Effects of Stigma and Rejection
Discrimination and rejection can lead to:
• Internalized homophobia/transphobia
• Social isolation
• Low self-esteem
Challenges in Accessing Support
Barriers include:
• Fear of discrimination from healthcare providers
• Lack of LGBTQ+-affirming therapists
• Financial and geographic limitations
Role of Family and Community
Support systems are vital:
• Family acceptance improves outcomes
• Peer groups build connection
• Community centers provide safe spaces
Moving Forward Together
Improving LGBTQ+ mental health means:
• Building inclusive spaces
• Ensuring access to affirming care
• Supporting one another for better outcomes
Let’s Connect
Michael Pezzullo
Email: pezzullo.psychotherapy@gmail.com
Ph: 213-640-9788
Add: 8271 Melrose Ave., Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Website: www.michaelpezzullo.com

Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community.pptx

  • 1.
    Mental Health inthe LGBTQ+ Community
  • 2.
    • Mental healthconcerns affect many people, yet members of the LGBTQ+ community often face unique pressures that increase their risk for anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Patterns of stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion can create a prolonged state of tension, contributing to both emotional distress and physical health problems.
  • 3.
    Who Makes Upthe LGBTQ+ Community? • Lesbian: Women attracted to women • Gay: Men attracted to men • Bisexual: Attracted to more than one gender • Transgender: Gender identity differs from birth sex • Queer/Questioning: Non-heterosexual or exploring identity • +: Includes intersex, asexual, non-binary, etc.
  • 4.
    Common Mental HealthIssues LGBTQ+ individuals face: • Higher rates of depression and anxiety • Increased suicidal thoughts, especially in youth • More substance use as a coping mechanism
  • 5.
    Effects of Stigmaand Rejection Discrimination and rejection can lead to: • Internalized homophobia/transphobia • Social isolation • Low self-esteem
  • 6.
    Challenges in AccessingSupport Barriers include: • Fear of discrimination from healthcare providers • Lack of LGBTQ+-affirming therapists • Financial and geographic limitations
  • 7.
    Role of Familyand Community Support systems are vital: • Family acceptance improves outcomes • Peer groups build connection • Community centers provide safe spaces
  • 8.
    Moving Forward Together ImprovingLGBTQ+ mental health means: • Building inclusive spaces • Ensuring access to affirming care • Supporting one another for better outcomes
  • 9.
    Let’s Connect Michael Pezzullo Email:pezzullo.psychotherapy@gmail.com Ph: 213-640-9788 Add: 8271 Melrose Ave., Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA 90046 Website: www.michaelpezzullo.com