Every June, communities around the world come together to celebrate Pride Month honoring the history, resilience, and ongoing fight for equality of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride is a celebration, but it’s also a powerful opportunity to talk openly about something that affects so many in this community: mental health.
Understanding Minority Stress
Mental health professionals often refer to “minority stress” the chronic, additional stress that comes from belonging to a stigmatized social group. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this can include experiences like discrimination, family rejection, bullying, fear of being “outed,” and the ongoing work of navigating spaces that may not be safe or accepting.
Over time, this kind of chronic stress takes a toll. According to The Trevor Project’s 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, which surveyed more than 16,000 LGBTQ+ people ages 13–24, 36% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year, including 40% of transgender and nonbinary youth, and roughly 1 in 10 attempted suicide in the past year. The same survey found that 90% of LGBTQ+ young people said recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws, policies, and political debates caused them stress or anxiety, and more than half (59%) of those ages 13–17 experienced bullying in the past year.
The data also points to something hopeful: LGBTQ+ young people who, described their community as very accepting, attempted suicide at less than a third of the rate of those who described their community as very unaccepting. Acceptance, support, and affirming spaces genuinely change outcomes.
For LGBTQ+ youth who also belong to other marginalized groups, the impact can compound. The same survey found that LGBTQ+ young people of color attempted suicide at higher rates than their White peers, with nearly a third also reporting racial or ethnic discrimination in addition to anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.
Why So Many LGBTQ+ Individuals Avoid Seeking Help
Despite these elevated risks, many LGBTQ+ individuals are hesitant to seek mental health support. Common barriers include:
- Past negative experiences with healthcare providers who were dismissive, uninformed, or judgmental
- Fear of having to “explain” or justify their identity to a therapist
- Concerns about confidentiality, especially for those not fully “out”
- A lack of providers trained in LGBTQ+-specific issues
This gap between need and access is part of why affirming care is so important and it’s a real gap: 44% of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were unable to get it, according to The Trevor Project’s 2025 survey.
What LGBTQ+-Affirming Therapy Looks Like
Affirming care means working with a therapist who:
- Uses your correct name and pronouns without hesitation
- Understands the unique stressors related to coming out, gender identity exploration, family dynamics, and relationships
- Creates a space where your identity doesn’t need to be explained, defended, or minimized
- Recognizes that your struggles may be connected to external discrimination — not something “wrong” with you
Affirming therapy isn’t about treating someone’s identity as the problem. It’s about helping clients navigate the real-world challenges they face while building resilience, self-acceptance, and healthy coping strategies.
Supporting Your Mental Health This Pride Month (and Beyond)
Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or you’re an ally, here are a few ways to nurture mental wellbeing:
- Build community. Connection with others who share your experiences! Whether through friends, support groups, or local organizations, shared experiences can be a powerful protective factor.
- Practice self-compassion. Minority stress is real, and it’s not a reflection of your worth. Be gentle with yourself on hard days.
- Set boundaries. It’s okay to limit time with people or situations that feel unsafe or unsupportive, even during family gatherings or celebrations.
- Seek out affirming resources. Therapists, support groups, and community centers that specialize in LGBTQ+ care can make a meaningful difference.
How We Can Help
At Columbus Counseling Group, we are committed to providing a welcoming, affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Our therapists understand the unique challenges this community faces and are here to support you! Without judgment and without you needing to explain who you are.
If you or someone you love could benefit from affirming mental health support, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
If you or someone you know is struggling, The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or via chat at TheTrevorProject.org.
Sources:
- The Trevor Project, 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People (May 2026)
