Untangling the Impact of Anxiety on the LGBTQ+ Community: Insights from an Anxiety Therapist in Denver, CO
by Kile Atwater, an LGBTQ+ mental health advocate and Chadley Zobolas, a Denver Anxiety Therapist
In the narrative of many queer individuals, anxiety forms an unwritten chapter. As community members navigate the intricate corridors of self-discovery and self-expression, the pages unfold, revealing stories of strength, growth, and the unbreakable spirit that comes from embracing one's true self. But the thing is, no matter how we decipher it, living with anxiety is a highly uncomfortable experience and often something that many LGBTQ+ people have to deal with as they navigate living in their authenticity.
That’s why we are sharing this guide with you today. Regardless of how you may have stumbled upon this, our hope is to undo some of the aloneness for those in the queer community and to share a mental health perspective on the impacts of anxiety on queer people.
First, let's delve into the undercurrents that often give rise to anxiety within the LGBTQ+ community.
Common Reasons for Anxiety within the LGBTQ+ Community - A Non-Exhaustive List
Social Stigma and Discrimination
The constant weight of hurtful comments, biased glances, and harmful words serve as constant reminders of the world's judgment. These daily microaggressions accumulate, possibly impacting mental well-being over time. It’s important to note that these experiences can be severely heightened for Black LGBTQ+ people and people of color who often have to deal with intersections of racial discrimination with the discrimination faced by being LGBTQ+.
Identity Acceptance
The inner journey of self-discovery can be very complex, as community members balance personal feelings with societal expectations, leading to many sleepless nights that can impact their day-to-day lives.
Healthcare Disparities
Anxiety can blossom during medical visits as concerns arise about differential treatment due to LGBTQ+ identity. To further illustrate this, here’s a quote from a non-binary patient from a research study by the National Library of Medicine:
"I saw written down 'high-risk homosexual behavior'. She asked me if I ever had sex with men. She didn't ask me the last time I had sex with men, and it couldn't have been because I hadn't had sex in like months, (…) I just dislike for her to make that assumption, that I was out there having unprotected sex"
This research underscores instances of discrimination within healthcare settings and how uncomfortable these experiences can be for community members.
Internalized Homophobia or Transphobia
The struggle with negative self-beliefs due to societal biases is a deeply intricate battle that can amplify feelings of self-doubt and anxiety. The societal weight of heteronormativity or cisnormativity can embed itself in one's psyche, leading to a complex inner conflict where authenticity wrestles against years of conditioning. This can often result in a dissonance between personal identity and societal expectations.
Isolation and Loneliness
The mask of conformity to societal norms can lead to an acute sense of being an outsider, even within groups that should offer belonging. The invisible barriers created by differences in sexual orientation or gender identity can isolate individuals emotionally, fostering an overwhelming sense of being misunderstood.
Uncertainty about the Future
Anxiety can increase as concerns about job prospects, finances, and the lack of acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities surface. The tumultuous waves of recent legislation and heart-wrenching stories of violence LGBTQ+ community members face for simply living their truths only add to the complexity of this.
With this reality, let’s step beyond understanding and into action with systemic, affirming, and evidence-based supports for queer people experiencing anxiety.
How anxiety therapy in Denver combined with affirming, queer-led LGBTQ+ therapy in Denver can support queer individuals with anxiety and beyond.
Within the secure space of therapy, tailored support can be offered to untangle the web of emotions unique to the queer community. At CZ Therapy Group, we aim to create a safe haven where individuals can openly explore how societal stigma, discrimination, and identity challenges intertwine with anxiety.
By dissecting identity-based trauma, how anxiety appears as a result, and honoring the coping mechanisms that have developed to keep you safe, our therapists aim to empower clients to regain balance, tap into their resilience, and heal from the emotional and cognitive effects of anxiety.
Some factors that may contribute to anxiety felt by members of the LGBTQ+ community are:
Religious Trauma
PTSD
Discrimination and Identity Based Trauma
Sexual Assault, Abuse, and/or Harassment
Child Abuse and Neglect
Relationship Struggles
If you would like to learn more about our approach to queer-affirming therapy in Denver, CO. , explore our previous blog post.
As we journey through the tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences, we hope to shed some light on the unwritten chapter of anxiety many community members may face. But the message remains clear: no one should walk this path alone. At CZ Therapy Group, our team of queer and queer-allied anxiety therapists is dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ individuals heal anxiety from its root.
Next Steps: Begin Queer Affirming Anxiety Therapy in Denver, CO
For queer people experiencing anxiety, queer affirming anxiety therapy with a therapist who is either queer or queer-allied can be a great support! Read more about our commitment to LGBTQ+ therapy in Denver, CO and if we feel like a fit so far, follow these steps to get started:
Reach out to schedule a free 20-minute consult call to see if trauma therapy is right for you
Connect with the CZTG anxiety therapist of your choice via a phone consult.
Begin your journey of moving through anxiety!
For Allies and Advocates - Best Ways to Support the LGBTQ+ Community
As queer-allies, it’s imperative to step beyond understanding and into transformative action to help you bridge the gap between awareness and active support.
Create Safe Spaces: Establish environments where LGBTQ+ individuals find acceptance, understanding, and freedom from judgment. This includes LGBTQ+ support groups, inclusive events, and organizations. For those grappling with anxiety, these spaces can become sanctuaries where the weight of constant vigilance and the fear of rejection can momentarily be set aside.
Active Listening: Provide a non-judgmental ear for their feelings and experiences. When someone extends their full attention, devoid of judgment or preconceived notions, it creates a space where emotions can find their voice and acceptance can be cultivated.
Educate Yourself: Learn about LGBTQ+ issues, terminology, and their unique challenges. Knowledge can enhance empathetic support.
Advocate for Equality: Participate in efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights and challenge discrimination. This, in turn, becomes a potent antidote to the anxiety that often stems from feeling marginalized. Your advocacy doesn't just raise your voice; it increases the volume of the community's voice, calling for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Connect to Resources: Share information about LGBTQ affirming therapists and mental health resources. LGBTQ+ inclusive support is invaluable and much needed in the community.
Respect Their Identity: Respect for one's chosen name, pronouns, and unique trajectory can hold immeasurable significance and help them feel even more confident in their skin.
Encourage Self-Care: Highlight the importance of self-care routines—exercise, sleep, and joyful activities. At its core, self-care is a declaration of self-worth—a commitment to nourishing the body and soul and acknowledging that tending to oneself is a fundamental requirement for emotional well-being.
