2022 was a tough year for Ben Green.
A public speaker and LGBT advocate, he has tackled many difficult issues that create tension in his personal and professional life. Being transgender, Green, like many LGBT workers, experienced severe bouts of anxiety and depression.
“Imagine 10 computer processors running in your brain. This represents concentration, attention and creativity,” he explained. “For many LGBT people with anxiety, one, two, or all of these processors could be an endless loop of predicting something. [state or federal] Bills that target us in anticipation of the next tragedy, the next hate crime, or the next microaggression. ”
A recent report by the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey found that LGBT adults consistently had higher rates of both anxiety and depression symptoms compared to non-LGBT adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. is reported.
The survey revealed that young respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 suffered from symptoms of both anxiety and depression, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. However, young LGBT respondents experienced these effects the most.
A survey conducted in two phases with a variety of respondents found:
- At both stages, younger LGBT respondents (approximately 60%) were more likely than older LGBT respondents to report anxiety symptoms.
- Anxiety symptoms among LGBT respondents aged 65 and older decreased somewhat as the pandemic progressed. About 26% reported anxiety symptoms in the first stage, whereas in the second stage she did 19%.
- In both stages, at least half of the young LGBT respondents reported symptoms of depression, but the proportion of those 65 years and older with symptoms of depression rose from about 25% in stage 1 to 25% in stage 2. decreased to about 16%.
- Young adults, especially LGBT adults, were most prone to anxiety and depression. Older non-LGBT adults were less likely to report symptoms of these conditions.
Jeri Johnson, chief operating officer of public relations firm NextPR, said he was “not surprised” by the results.
“Many of us don’t feel safe being ourselves, especially in a workplace where there is no supportive community to accept us,” she said. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we are facing heightened levels of uncertainty and threats to our safety.”
The effects of feeling psychologically unsafe
Johnson, who identifies as queer, lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the site of a November 2022 shooting at an LGBT nightclub. Her community is still processing the grief caused by the incident, which she says caused fear among LGBT people. Other recent mass shootings have targeted people of color.
Johnson and her wife serve on the board of an LGBT youth center that had to temporarily close its physical location because LGBT youth did not feel safe.
“Our friends don’t think it’s safe to go out,” she said.
Studies have shown that mental health issues and feelings of anxiety can impact workplace productivity, resulting in poor concentration, slow thinking, lateness, missing deadlines, problems connecting with colleagues, and poor work performance. It has been shown to lead to poor quality.
Mental health resources for LGBT workers
article, a lack of support, solutions, and prevention efforts by employers exacerbates mental health issues among LGBT workers. harvard business reviewLack of these efforts also negatively impacts inclusion and belonging in the workplace.
“LGBTQ+ employees who may not be in the workplace are unable to seek support from colleagues or choose services such as EAP. [employee assistance programs] Jean-Marie Navetta, Director of Learning and Inclusion, PFLAG National, said:
LGBT workers also struggle to find therapists who understand the health needs of their communities or simply accept and affirm their identities. If you can’t find a therapist, the following resources can help.
988 Lifelines of Suicide and CrisisThis suicide prevention network of over 200 crisis centers provides 24/7 service. Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
Trevor Project. This suicide awareness nonprofit for LGBT youth provides confidential, secure and trained professionals. Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
transformer lifelineThis peer support phone service is run by transgender people for transgender or questioners. Call 877-565-8860.
Sage USASAGE connects LGBT seniors who want to talk to friendly, certified crisis responders who are ready to listen. Call the toll-free SAGE Hotline at 877-360-LGBT (5428).
Green urged employers to understand the burden LGBT workers bear. He also provided resources to address warning signs of poor mental health and encouraged them to be prepared to act on behalf of their employees.
“Your company’s voice will not only help stem the rise of homophobia and transphobia, but it will also encourage LGBTQ employees and potential employees to know that you see them and stand by their side.” It will send a clear message.”
