While a growing number of young people are comfortable coming out and expressing to the world that they are not frightened to be who they are, some people with limited minds are still finding it difficult to accept that being an LGBTQ person is no longer a mental disorder.
Historically, the LGBTQ population has been stigmatized and horribly treated, and the term “mentally sick” has been used as a cover for these atrocities. Before some of these DSM modifications, lobotomies, electroconvulsive treatment, and chemical castration were used by therapists to “cure” homosexuality.
LGBTQ persons certainly suffer from mental illness at a higher rate, but not because they are LGBTQ; rather, it is usually a direct result of social stigma, violence against LGBTQ people, and discrimination. In this way, society has perpetuated its discrimination against the LGBTQ population, incorrectly labeling them as “mentally ill” for many years, exacerbating the LGBTQ mental health issue.
The removal of homosexuality from the DSM was a momentous occasion in LGBTQ history, but not without controversy. Even though homosexuality was outlawed, it was swiftly replaced by a diagnosis of “sexual orientation disturbance,” which defined homosexuality as an illness limited to those who were “disturbed by, in conflict with, or sought to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.” Unexpectedly, transgender identification was officially declassified as a “mental illness” by the World Health Organization (WHO).
These decisions carry a great deal of weight and frequently convey to the public how LGBTQ persons should be treated. Nearly every element of the lives of LGBTQ people can be positively or negatively impacted by how they are perceived and addressed in the mental health community. Transgender and non-binary people continue to be the most targeted, discriminated against, and stigmatized members of our LGBTQ communities, despite the mental health field’s slow understanding and protection of this community on a national and international scale. The World Health Organization reclassified being transgender as a mental illness just about three years ago.
Even though the mental health industry has made great strides toward acknowledging the unique needs of the LGBTQ community, there are still many obstacles standing in the way of therapy or online counseling for this population. One such obstacle is finding a doctor or the best psychologist in India who can offer comprehensive, empathetic care free from prejudice. This also fits the description of being affirming or culturally aware. When they eventually summon the courage to consult a clinical psychologist or mental health professional, many LGBTQ persons have a legitimate fear that they will be mistreated or misinterpreted.
It may be pretty muted. Even if you have a mental health facility with therapists that are culturally accepting or provide queer affirmative online treatment, it might severely set people back if your front desk staff or new recruits are not educated in these cultural skills. We’ve heard from some participants in our outpatient courses that they were advised not to discuss their sexual orientation in public to avoid upsetting anyone. We also know of someone who had therapy at an inpatient facility; upon arriving at the front desk, the staff member engaged in an open discussion about the patient’s gender identity and pronouns.
From the standpoint of online therapy or treatment, this might lead to reluctance to seek assistance, which could be a potentially fatal decision for certain people. Depression, anxiety disorders, and suicide thoughts and attempts are more common among LGBTQ people. Forty percent of transgender individuals have tried suicide at some point in their lives, and PTSD is far more prevalent in the LGBTQ community.
For instance, a client who was compelled to accept therapy calls outside of their house due to fear that their anti-LGBTQ landlord may overhear the exchange.
In these situations, the guilt is reinforced as a negative experience and frequently linked to their identities. The subject they wish to discuss is labeled as “bad” or “filthy.” He asserted that it was a rerun of the messages they would have encountered throughout their lifetimes. Clinically, it could cause patients to decide not to seek care again or to depart early. When I get there, will everything be alright? Questions are frequently posed by people.
Conclusion
When searching for a Queer Affirmative Therapy practitioner who is culturally competent, we suggest TalktoAngel as a great place to start. They have the best online counselors and psychologist expert in LGBTQ Concerns. They can help people resolve their concerns and live a stress-free life ahead.
Also check – Ergonomics and Mental Health
