Imagine you’re a 15-year-old transgender teen. You only recently began to feel comfortable at school, getting called by your chosen name and pronouns, and dressing the way that affirms your gender. Your parents have a hard time understanding your identity. This makes home feel like a place where you aren’t allowed to be your true self.
At school, you participate in theater and art. You enjoy chatting with your favorite teacher before lunch, and after school you’re frequently found at your local LGBTQ youth program. A safe space where you have countless new friends who appreciate you for who you are. Life is pretty good.
Then, the pandemic hits.
While social distancing is hard for everyone, certain populations are exceptionally affected by this necessary isolation in response to COVID-19. LGBTQ youth is one such population.
As adults, we experience stressors like finances, employment, bills, and parenting, among others. This can sometimes affect how we perceive the stress of young people. We need to show empathy by recognizing the difficult hand that this pandemic has dealt LGBTQ youth and how this can negatively affect their mental wellness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the second leading cause of death for U.S. youth ages 10-24. A 2018 study reported in JAMA Pediatrics showed that sexual minority youth were 3.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and transgender youth were more than five times as likely to consider suicide.
Connectedness and a sense of belonging are two important protective factors when it comes to youth suicide. When support systems and positive outlets are stripped from teens’ lives, it can leave them feeling isolated and more likely to engage in negative coping strategies. One way to support queer youth during this time is to direct them to resources that will keep them connected to a community of accepting and inclusive peers.
“Sexual minority youth are 3.5 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and transgender youth were more than five times as likely to consider suicide.”
With many LGBTQ youth living in homes that don’t support or affirm their queer identities, it’s imperative for young people to find community online and have a support system they can lean on, even from a distance. Parents should ensure that LGBTQ youth who were previously seeing a mental health professional continue to see those providers on a telehealth basis. Any consistency and care that can remain during this time should be kept in their routine.
If you notice that someone is having a hard time or you are worried about their mental health, check on that person and start a conversation about how they are doing. Don’t be afraid to ask the question, “Do you sometimes feel so bad that you think about suicide?” If the answer is yes, help is available. See the list below for crisis lines, resources and professionals who are equipped to help.
During a time of distancing, quarantining, and isolating, it is more important than ever to check on those in your life, show that you care, and share words of affirmation. Support LGBTQ youth by letting them know they’re not alone, sharing resources, and assuring them we will get through this together.
Tips to Support Your Mental Health
1. Take a Break. We are inundated with news and information right now. Schedule time to unplug and unwind. Listen to music you love, do a guided meditation, take some cleansing breaths, anything to give yourself a break from the constant twitter feed of your thoughts.
2. Practice Self-Care. Make time for things that bring joy and add value to your life. Eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, take bubble baths, move your body, and show self-love by taking good care of yourself.
3. Be gentle. Remind yourself that comparison is the thief of joy. There is no right or wrong way to quarantine and everyone is doing the best they can. Some days, you will check ten things off your to-do list and other days you will barely make it from your bed to the couch. Give yourself grace.
4. Find Community. As queer people, it is important to have chosen family around (even if virtually) who love and accept us for who we are. Find your people, especially if you are in a home environment that doesn’t celebrate you. You are worthy of support and a family to lean on.
5. Talk. Chat with a trustworthy friend or hop on a Telehealth therapy session. Seeking mental health services is a courageous act of self-love. Sharing your emotions and thoughts with someone can bring relief and be a reminder that you are not alone.
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources
Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line
A free helpline offering guidance, information, and resources for mental health and addiction. Whether you’re seeking resources for yourself or for someone else, call 972-525-8181 Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Se habla Español.
granthalliburton.org/navline
The Trevor Project
A 24/7 LGBTQ Crisis Lifeline
866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
trevorproject.org
Trans Lifeline
A 24/7 helpline run by and for the trans community
877-565-8860
translifeline.org
Resource Center’s Youth First Program
Virtual programming for LGBTQ youth ages 12 to 18 via Zoom, facilitated by trained staff. myresourcecenter.org/youthfirst
QChatSpace
Offers online discussion groups for LGBTQ teens ages 13 to 19, facilitated by trained adults at LGBTQ centers around the country.
qchatspace.org
The Validation Station
Sends validating text messages daily to transgender and gender-diverse youth.
Sign up with your name, pronouns and phone number.
validationstation.net.
By Cami Fields, LMSW
Director of Outreach and Education