A Look at the Intersection of Mental Health and Identity
Raising Awareness of PTSD and LGBTQ+ Issues During Pride Month
June is a month of reflection and awareness for many communities. It’s our time to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals coping with PTSD.
At the Lift & Shift Foundation, we understand there are diversity issues in many groups. Accessibility isn’t limited to STEM education. We believe in the importance of shedding light on these critical issues and offering support to those in need.
This article evolved from an email we sent last year, in June, which prompted some of our community to reply with very negative and closed-minded responses. Before we address that, let’s look at some hard facts.
Overlapping Challenges of PTSD and LGBTQ+ Identity
An Eye-Popping Statistic
It’s staggering to learn that 48% of the LGBTQ+ community meets the criteria for PTSD, compared to just 4.7% of the general population. This statistic, sourced from the National Center for PTSD, highlights the severe mental health disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The prevalence of PTSD in this community surpasses even the estimates across the entire veteran population. It should be no surprise that within the LGBTQ+ community of military service members, the prevalence is significantly higher.
Why is PTSD so prevalent among the LGBTQ+ community?
- Discrimination and Stigma: Many LGBTQ+ individuals experience discrimination, bullying, and even violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. These traumatic experiences can lead to PTSD.
- Internalized Homophobia/Transphobia: Growing up in a society where LGBTQ+ identities are often stigmatized can result in internalized negative beliefs, contributing to mental health issues.
- Rejection and Isolation: Rejection by family, friends, or communities can lead to feelings of isolation, exacerbating mental health struggles.
Veterans and LGBTQ+ Issues: A Unique Intersection
We can’t have this discussion about veterans and LGBTQ+ Issues without addressing Military Sexual Trauma. Veterans, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community, face a unique set of challenges. It’s reported that an estimated 1 in 3 female veterans and 1 in 50 male veterans report experiencing MST. This creates unique healthcare challenges.
Military service members are always advocating for better services and performance from the VA, and historically there has been plenty of support from both sides of the aisle in Congress. Right now there’s a bill, The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which includes a series of proposals from health care and benefits to homelessness and VA oversight.
While the bill doesn’t specifically address needs of veterans in the LGBTQ+ community, it’s not passed yet. This means we can all reach out to our elected officials and ensure the language in the final law is supportive of all veterans.
The Importance of Inclusive Care
- Specialized Services: VA hospitals have been improving their services to cater to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ veterans, including mental health care.
- Cultural Competence: Healthcare providers trained in LGBTQ+ issues can offer more empathetic and effective care, fostering a safe environment for healing.
- Community and Support: Being in a supportive environment with peers who share similar experiences can significantly impact recovery and mental health.
The VA: A Model for PTSD and LGBTQ+ Care
The VA is consistently improving though, and according to a Medicare nationwide survey of patients, VA often outperforms non-VA hospitals nationwide. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and the consistent focus on oversight as a result of nonstop advocacy from service members, veteran service organizations, and sometimes even legislators themselves. For many veterans, the VA offers a lifeline, particularly in addressing PTSD and LGBTQ+ issues.
PTSD Awareness Month: Reaching Out for Help
June is PTSD Awareness Month, a critical time to acknowledge the struggles many face and to promote the resources available to help. If you are struggling with stress or PTSD, please know that you are not alone. The new national helpline, 988, offers immediate support for those in crisis.
Resources for Support
Our programs are focused on STEM education and accessibility. While we don’t focus specifically on PTSD or LGBTIA+ resources, there is a short list of programs for veterans provided by the community of veteran nonprofits. In addition,
- National Helpline: The 988 hotline offers 24/7 support for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
- The Trevor Project is a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth.
- Mental Health Resources at VA: The VA has an LGBTQ resource page that covers topics like coming out to your health care provider, the National LGBTQ+ Health Education Center, and Veterans Coffee Socials.
Back to the inappropriate responses we received last year after expressing this support to our community, we actively removed individuals from our community. We’re also in the process of finalizing updated terms of service to reinforce our legitimate interest in ensuring a quality experience for every member of our community.
