The Connection between LGBTQ Identities and Anxiety
We’re here to support you and your anxious child! We know that there is an overlap between anxiety and LGBTQIA issues, especially in kids and teens (Child Mind Institute), and want to help you find the best fit therapy-wise for you child.
All of our therapists are gender affirming, and continuing education in this area is required for therapists at Compassionate Counseling St. Louis.
As specialists in anxiety and anxiety-driven anger, we love working with all kids, teens, and college students on building tools, regardless of gender identity and expression. That being said, our current therapists do not *specialize* in LGBTQIA+ populations - and we’re all about finding the best fit for you and your child’s individual needs. (If you’re interested in learning more about a specialist in LGBTQIA issues, please see our helping professionals interview with Rachel Kalina, MSW, LCSW, here.)
With that in mind, we’d like to give a special thanks to Cody Lee Pey, Clinical Intern at The Center for Mindfulness & CBT and MSW Candidate for their guest post The Connection Between LGBTQ Identities and Anxiety.
Cody Lee Pey, Clinical Intern at The Center for Mindfulness & CBT
The Connection Between LGBTQ Identities and Anxiety
Anxiety does not know a stranger. Anxiety befriends anyone and everyone, especially those whose identities are discriminated against daily. In fact, LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to develop mental illnesses, such as anxiety, than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. This rate increases among LGBTQ+ adolescents, who have less access to therapeutic services.
Without fail, all of my LGBTQ+ clients have difficulty managing their anxiety, especially within today’s society. Unfortunately, our society does not make living easy for LGBTQ+ individuals. There are many reasons as to why LGBTQ+ individuals develop anxiety, alongside the many circumstances associated with daily living. LGBTQ+ individuals must confront discrimination in different shapes and sizes: microaggressions, threats, trauma, shame, and rejection. Hate crimes are on the rise, and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is being enacted. Simply, it is terrifying to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community right now.
Therefore LGBTQ+ individuals experience a heightened sense of arousal physically and mentally. They are on high-alert for anything that might be dangerous or life-threatening. Sometimes they are not aware of these feelings, but they have a serious impact on their health. That’s why treating their anxiety quickly and holistically is important for their well-being. If anxiety goes untreated, many more complications and illnesses can occur, reducing a person’s quality of life.
There are some protective factors that can help ease the symptoms of anxiety. First and foremost, LGBTQ+ individuals need support and love. They need to know people care for them. They need people to listen to them. They need to connect to people like them, too. Although finding genuine connection and understanding with another person cannot alleviate all symptoms nor magically fix a situation, it exponentially increases the healing of a person.
Professional treatment can also be life-changing. Therapy can help LGBTQ+ individuals process their lived experiences and empower themselves. Therapy gives LGBTQ+ individuals permission to live authentically and unapologetically. The therapeutic space is their kingdom. Learning healthy coping skills is crucial for LGBTQ+ individuals who, historically, have been abandoned by the larger healthcare system.
Although anxiety is on the rise within the LGBTQ+ community, members engage in less help-seeking behavior. There are many obstacles to accessing supportive services, including transportation and finances. That’s why it is incredibly important to make sure that LGBTQ+ members feel included. Reach out to your loved ones with open ears and an open mind and start a potentially life-saving conversation.
Feeling like you need some parent support?
Our parent coaching program is like therapy for parents, helping you come up with a plan for how to help your anxious child.
Compassionate Counseling St. Louis is located in Clayton, MO. We specialize in anxiety and anger management therapy for kids, teens, and college students, from age 4 on up. We work with families throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Ladue, Town and Country, Webster Groves, Creve Couer, Kirkwood, Richmond Heights, and Brentwood.