When it comes to LGBTQ+ youth, parents play a huge role. Parents influence the decisions their children make on a daily basis, and their perspectives and beliefs can play a big role in whether their children accept their sexual orientation. If you’re a parent and don’t know what to do if your child discloses to you that they’re gay, here are 8 ways to help your child take steps to take care of their mental health as they navigate their sexuality.
- As a parent of an LGBTQ+ child, you no doubt have your own concerns about how to help them manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. You may not even know if they can have mental health concerns about things like stereotypes or expectations. But every LGBTQ+ child also has their own sexuality, gender identity, and potential for mental health. And parents who embrace the full identities of their LGBTQ+ children can help them navigate their own identities and feelings.
- LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than their heterosexual peers to grapple with mental health issues, according to a 2016 report from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. Several factors contribute to the additional impact of these feelings and thoughts, but support from parents plays a huge role. Parents can help by affirming their child’s gender identity and sexual orientation, protecting them from bullying, and teaching them about LGBTQ+ culture and history. But just as important as parents’ actions, they can also serve as role models.
- Transgender, gender nonconforming, bisexual, gay, questioning, and queer youth have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders than their peers. These issues often emerge or worsen during their school years, which is an alarming statistic, given that many LGBTQ+ youth face physical and verbal harassment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- LGBTQ+ youth report higher rates of mental health concerns than their peers. And while most of those concerns are related to depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse, such youths also report higher rates of traumatic stress from bullying and discrimination. This is why it’s so important for parents to educate themselves on the ways that they can help their LGBTQ+ children address their mental health issues.
- Parents of LGBTQ+ youth often report that they wished they knew more about how they can support them through coming out, transitioning, and self-care.
- As parents, we all want what’s best for our kids, including their mental and physical health. However, according to SAMHSA, LGBT youth are twice as likely to think about suicide as heterosexual youth. Family history and specific issues like bullying, discrimination, and sexual abuse can make them vulnerable. Fortunately, there are many steps parents can take to help their children live happy, healthy lives.
- You may be concerned about your teen’s mental health as a parent. Gay Straight Alliances in school, counseling, support groups, school programs and even youth ministry lessons help many youths deal with feelings of isolation and discrimination. But LGBTQ+ youth face additional challenges, such as being mistaken for a gender they don’t identify with or experiencing bullying from family. But as a parent, you can help.
- Parents of LGBTQ+ youth often have a lot on their plates since managing their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health. But many parents may not be aware that there are ways they can support their LGBTQ+ child’s mental health, including those already living as LGBTQ+. Here are five ways you can help your child be healthier in body and mind.
Why Parents Need to Help LGBTQ+ Youth Take Care of Their Mental Health
During adolescence, LGBTQ youth experience higher rates of mental health issues than straight youth. The LGBTQ+ community sees itself as an at-risk group and is more susceptible to mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. This is why it’s important to ensure parents know the facts regarding mental health issues.
It’s important to be aware that beyond the household, there exist invaluable resources and associations dedicated to advocating for and protecting the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in the legal realm. Organizations like national lgbt bar association and similar others offer vital legal support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they have access to equal rights and protections. By familiarizing themselves with such associations and leveraging their resources, parents can empower their children to navigate legal complexities and discriminatory challenges with confidence and resilience.
That said, parents of LGBTQ+ kids face a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. In 2017, the National Alliance for Mental Illness reported that nearly 4.2 million LGBTQ+ young people aged 13-24 have mental health disorders. Unfortunately, those statistics seem to hold true for their parents as well. LGBTQ+ parents whose children suffer from mental health issues are 18 percent more likely to also suffer from depression or anxiety.
Many parents feel as if they struggle to help their LGBTQ+ youth deal with homophobia and heterosexism at school. But parents can help them understand their own personal identity and how to navigate the social constructs of gender. Parents can help them accept society’s labels and acknowledge their strengths and talents. They can aid them in combatting the stigma of being LGBTQ+ by teaching them that being proud and accepting of their gender identity is a strength. But parents can also support them to confront the negative feelings surrounding their gender identity.
