The LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) community is believed to be more prone to having mental illnesses than nonheterosexual individuals. Medical experts claim that this is caused by discrimination and marginalization from other people.
RadioNZ reported that psychiatrists in New Zealand and Australia are now alarmed with the increasing number of LGBT members having mental illness. They said that marriage equality and acceptance for the LGBT community are necessary for them to avoid feeling stressed which can lead to anxiety and mental issues.
It was highlighted that the discrimination they experience and the marriage inequality in these countries make them more prone to mental health issues. In order to address this health problem, the experts recommended that proper health services and counseling should be given to the LGBT community.
HealthyPeople.gov noted that gays, lesbians and transgenders are also prone to depression which often leads to suicide attempts. Their mental issues are, most of the time, not properly addressed since they do not have a health coverage.
According to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), doctors and health service providers should make sure that patients will be given the medical attention they need, regardless of their sexual orientation. "While every situation will differ, we have worked with transgender youth and their parents as well as allied doctors to detail some ways to help make interactions with medical providers as friendly and respectful as possible," the HRC said on its website.
Sixty-four-year-old transgender woman Krystyna McIlroy said in a New York Dispatch article that she has not experienced a problem with her health care providers. "(At) York Hospital, everyone is considerate, using my preferred name," she added.
McIIroy claimed that educating the public and the health sector about LGBTIs, specifically transgenders, will help them understand their situation and the health issues they are facing. This will, in turn, assist them in addressing mental problems in the community.
