By  Ryan Papciak, MSW, LCSW – Director of SunServe Mental Health Services

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of mental health in our lives. It’s an opportunity to bring attention to the struggles that many people face with their mental well-being, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. During Mental Health Awareness Month, it is particularly important to pay attention to our stress levels. Stress can come from work, relationships, family, etc. There is usually not just one source of stress in our lives. Stressful situations or events can occur regularly, and it is critical to be aware of your stress sources to seek the help you might need.   

In a study conducted by Ilan H. Meyer, Ph.D. in 2003, it was found that for people who identify as LGBTQ+, stress can impact them at a higher rate than their cis-gender, straight peers. Meyer also found that due to the study participant’s marginalized sexual identity, they were experiencing increased rates of stress known as distal and proximal stressors. Distal stressors are the discrimination and/or prejudice that a marginalized individual experiences. Proximal stressors are the expectation of rejection due to sexual identity, concealment of sexual identity, and internalized homophobia. All these stress symptoms can create biological responses. The biological responses to stress can result in headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep problems to name a few symptoms. These physical symptoms can result from a marginalized racial, sexual, or gender identity. As we consider the concept of intersectionality, the more marginalized identities we hold, the increased potential exists for stressors in our environment, such as facing prejudice, discrimination, or stigma. This stigma can also be internalized, which in turn affects our mental health. Depression and anxiety can result from daily negative remarks LGBTQ+ individuals hear in their communities.  

In some instances, added stress factors can lead to substance use. For LGBTQ+ individuals, finding the first steps to take in tackling substance use disorder can be daunting. One of the most important components of sobriety is recognizing that addiction does not happen overnight. Substance use disorders are complex and require comprehensive, tailored treatment plans. Taking the first steps toward tackling substance use disorder is difficult but possible. With access to specialized resources specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, people have the ability to begin their journey toward sobriety and better health.  With the right support, individuals can work towards a more positive and fulfilling future. SunServe, along with our partners at Project SOAR, have recently opened an LGBTQ+ sober home for our clients to use as a bridge while working on their sobriety.