Mental Health within the LGBTQ+ Population

Depression and anxiety are the leading mental health issues that impact the LGBTQ+ population as a direct correlation with the discrimination and marginalization they experience due to their sexuality and/or gender identity. Our goal is to raise awareness of the most common mental health issues that are prominent within this particular population. Along with suggested advocacy efforts to help alleviate the larger-scale issue of oppression and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Suggested advocacy efforts include but are not limited to: anti-discrimination legislation, best practices including cultural competency and affirmative practice in all health care professions. Mental health impacts all areas of society, therefore, all of us have an obligation and duty to have a culturally competent understanding of mental health with all populations. Furthermore, it is critical that LGBTQ+ individuals and allies have the knowledge of resources and tools available for mental health services. Diana Maier and Ashley Hill are first-year master's students at The Ohio State University College of Social Work. Diana has a Bachelor of Arts in youth ministries and recreation from Bluffton University and is a graduate of the Vineyard Leadership Institute. Diana currently serves as a program coordinator with OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development. She is passionate about confronting the stigma surrounding mental health issues and supporting individuals and families impacted specifically by depression. She is also interested in suicide prevention efforts. Ashley has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Notre Dame College. Ashley currently serves as the clinic coordinator, MIPS coordinator and wellness innovator at the Ohio State College of Optometry. She has a passion for clinical social work and the desire to help advocate for change specifically within the LGBTQ+ population by addressing the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face as an oppressed population.AUTHOR AFFILIATION: Ashley Hill, Clinical Coordinator, Ohio State College of Optometry, hill.2150@osu.edu (Corresponding Author); Diana Maier, The Ohio State University Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development, State 4-H Office.Depression and anxiety are the leading mental health issues that impact the LGBTQ+ population, directly correlated with discrimination and marginalization they experience due to their sexuality and/or gender identity. Our goal is to raise awareness of the most common mental health issues within this population, as well as suggested advocacy efforts to help alleviate the larger-scale issue of oppression and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Suggested efforts include but are not limited to: anti-discrimination legislation and best practices that include cultural competency and affirmative practice in all health care professions. It is also critical that LGBTQ+ individuals and allies know what resources and tools are available for mental health services