For millions of Americans, mental health issues are a prevalent part of life. In fact, 26% of Americans, or 1 in 4, will suffer from a mental health disorder in their lifetime. And, in any given year, 8.3% or roughly 21 million people will have a diagnosis for a mental health disorder. As bad as those numbers sound, persons who are not straight suffer from significantly worse instances of mental health problems, with higher ratios of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and addiction. In fact, while 1/4th of the general population will have a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime, 60% of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community will have the same diagnosis. That’s a more than double increase in the percentage of people suffering from mental health problems.
The LGTBQ+ community is vulnerable to mental health problems because of stress, social stigma, and trauma. At Compassion Recovery, we understand that the interactions between sexuality and gender and modern society can greatly impact mental health. Further, treating those mental health problems means understanding the complex and personal situations contributing to those mental health problems and treating them with compassion, understanding, a personalized mental health program designed to meet those needs.
An estimated 60% of LGBTQ+ community experience mental health problems at any given time. Those include depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, eating disorders, and many other mental health problems. Some of the most significant include:
Anyone who is on the LGBTQ+ spectrum is likely to have experienced significant instances of what is known as “minority stress”. This refers to stress from stigma, discrimination, and lack of social acceptance, which can result in trauma, avoidance, and social ostracization. This may require mental health treatment on its own to ensure quality of life.
If you’re not straight or not cisgender, you’re at increased risk of developing a mental health disorder and even of experiencing mental health problems. Why? Most studies indicate that it has to do with increased risks associated with trauma, isolation, domestic violence, and social stigma and isolation. That’s true even for people from accepting families, because those same individuals still experience these things out in the world.
However, early childhood and trauma in the home may have the worst impact. The Adverse Childhood Experiences links trauma experienced before the age of 16 to increased vulnerabilities to mental health problems including depression, poor social behavior, depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, and bad coping mechanisms. Factors like stigma, family rejection, and hiding personality, gender, and sexuality can have a major impact on developing minds. That becomes worse when it involves internalized homophobia, domestic violence, and abuse.
Being LGBTQ+ means:
These also result in increased risks of low self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal ideation, which all make it more difficult to cope with stress and other mental health problems.
Treating Mental Health Problems in the LGTBQ+ Community
The LGBTQ+ community not only faces increased risks to mental health problems but also decreased chances of getting good treatment for those problems. For example, some 70% of participants in a study reported stigma and homophobia from staff in mental health treatment programs, with as many as 24% sometimes being denied care at all. As a result, many simply don’t seek out mental healthcare at all, despite the need for significant and personalized treatment. At Compassion Recovery, we approach each person with the specific care they need to uncover underlying problems, to treat causes rather than just symptoms, and to give each person the respect and care they need.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, it’s important to reach out and get help. Having a mental health treatment program that can approach your mental health from the perspective of the LGBTQ+ community, that can understand stigma, prejudice, violence, and trauma, and that can build a program around those needs is also important. Millions of LGBTQ+ youth and adults struggle with mental health. But, there is help and it can help you to recover, to build healthy coping mechanisms, and to build a stable foundation so that you’re better able to cope in the future.
If you need help, contact the team at Compassion Recovery to learn more about our LGBTQ+ focused programs.
If you or a loved one needs help with mental health treatment, drug rehab, or alcohol rehab Compassion Recovery Center is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our LGBTQ+ focused programs.
Peter Samarin2024-05-22This place was awesome. Josh Marquez and the staff did an amazing job of helping me realize my problems in life as to why I was self medicating and gave me a great program / regiment of daily tasks to better myself and beat my addictions. Six months in my PHP program gave me a proper reset in my life. A must go to treatment center thank you guys.Michael2024-05-22If it wasn’t for Compassion Recovery Centers, I probably would have died long ago. This place absolutely saved my life and taught me the skills I needed to cope with emotions and behaviors, as well as to become a productive member of society. Their PHP program in Orange County is just phenomenal, with incredibly knowledgeable staff who guide you every step of the way. If anyone is seeking treatment, I definitely recommend Compassion Recovery Centers!anthony pulido2024-04-05This is the best virtual IOP i have been to so far.Patana72024-03-30Compassion and Josh ( the owner) are fantastic. This is the only place I found that cared about the patient and didn’t treat them as another number and not a $$. They will work with you and genuinely care about your health and progress. Josh is a rare person in the industry who cares for his patients and is always available if they need anything. I’ve looked at a ton of other places. This one sticks out for all the good reasons.Tanya Adams2024-03-10Compassion Recovery Center offers a comprehensive range of addiction treatment services, addressing substance abuse with a holistic and personalized approach. Nestled in a serene setting, the center provides a conducive environment for healing and recovery, emphasizing mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The center's treatment programs include detoxification, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services, catering to individual needs throughout the recovery journey. Compassion Recovery employs evidence-based therapies combined with alternative healing practices, ensuring a well-rounded treatment experience. The programs are designed to foster personal growth, resilience, and long-term sobriety. The staff at Compassion Recovery is a key asset, comprising experienced professionals who are compassionate and dedicated to client success. The team's expertise and supportive approach play a crucial role in creating a nurturing environment for recovery. Patients consistently praise the staff's commitment and the genuine care they receive. Facilities at Compassion Recovery are designed with comfort and recovery in mind. Clean, well-maintained accommodations and communal spaces allow for both privacy and community engagement. The center's amenities support various therapeutic activities and leisure, contributing to a holistic recovery experience. Cost and insurance considerations are addressed transparently, with Compassion Recovery providing clear information and assistance in navigating financial options. The center accepts various insurance plans, easing the burden of treatment expenses. In conclusion, Compassion Recovery stands out for its comprehensive treatment programs, expert and caring staff, and a supportive environment that fosters healing and personal growth. For those seeking a path to recovery in a compassionate and professional setting, Compassion Recovery offers an excellent choice.Wise Flow2024-03-10This place Helped me so much. Best IOP program i have ever been too.Christian Tanner2024-03-06If you’re looking for an IOP in Orange County, Compassion is your answer.Avi Sherbill2024-03-04A truly amazing facility that offers a high level of care for each client that comes through. I'm really moved by the work they do here and lead by example for what care for those struggling looks like.J B2024-03-03I highly recommend Compassion, Recovery. They are very ethical, understanding patient and always: above and beyond further clients. I work with this company several times. I really appreciate All their help every time it is needed. Keep up the good work.Load more
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Compassion Recovery
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Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:
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Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs. There may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to