Introduction

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression affects about 10% of the population.  Causes of depression may be genetic or psychological. These include:

• Low self esteem
• Loss
• Abuse/trauma
• Substance abuse
• No support
• Blocked emotions

According to a depression review published on GayHealth.com, symptoms of depression include:

• Depressed mood
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Problems sleeping
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Excessive or inappropriate guilt
• Recurrent thoughts of death
• Social withdrawal
• Lack of interest or pleasure
• Decrease or increase in appetite
• Feeling restless or slowed down
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Suicidal ideation or suicide attempt
• Unresolved grief

Anxiety can be a combination of feelings, including fear, apprehension, and worry.  These feelings may accompany physical symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath.  According to NIMH, there are five types of anxiety disorders, affecting about 13% of the population. They can be “acute” (in response to something specific) or “chronic” (constant or free floating).

The Bad

Depression and anxiety disorders can negatively affect quality of life.  In some cases, they can be debilitating and prevent people from leading normal lives.  Suicide attempts related to depression and anxiety are more than three times higher in the LGBT community than in the general population.  Depression and anxiety are also linked to higher rates of substance abuse and unsafe sex.

The Good

Any differences in LGBT mental health from the general population are attributable to environmental factors, such as homophobia and discrimination.  There is no evidence that LGBTs are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety for biological reasons.  Importantly, homosexuality was removed from the list of psychiatric disorders in 1973.

Depression and anxiety can be treated with counseling and medications and the LGBT community has shown itself more likely to use mental health services. Improvements in diet and exercise may also help and should be discussed with a mental health professional or healthcare provider.

Why it’s LGBT

Discrimination against LGBTs can result in low self esteem and cause stress and shame.  These can all contribute to depression and anxiety.  Sexual behavior, and sexual identity, can also be very difficult for some LGBTs to talk about, which can prevent them from getting the medical or psychological help they need.

What to Do

Reach out for help and support.  Talk to your healthcare provider or seek out a mental health professional.  Consider changes in the following areas:

• Develop coping skills
• Change negative thought patterns
• Resolve losses
• Improve eating, sleeping, and exercise patterns

Tools

Many organizations have questionnaires to help you determine if you might be suffering from depression.  These questionnaires should not be used to self-diagnose depression or other mental health problems, but rather help pinpoint concerns to speak with a healthcare or mental health provider about.

A number of online psychological tests are available through healthyplace.com.  A depression self-assessment is also provided by MayoClinic.com.  Depression and anxiety tests are also offered by DiscoveryHealth.com.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, you should speak with someone immediately.  Two national toll-free suicide hotlines offer support 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Gay and questioning youth may feel more comfortable calling the toll-free 24 hour suicide prevention hotline at The Trevor Project, which promotes acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386).