(Titusville, NJ, Thursday, June 23, 2022) – Living with depression is challenging, but when you’re also facing disparities and hurdles associated with being LGBTQ+ − such as stigma, rejection, discrimination, and violence − it can be even harder to find a safe, trusted space to confide in. This Pride Month, “Depression Looks Like Me,” a new campaign from the Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in partnership with LGBTQ+ and mental health advocacy organizations, is pointing members of the community and their allies towards mental health resources. Through representation, this campaign creates equity, eliminates health disparities, enhances quality of life and improves health outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community.
Key Stats about LGBTQ+ Mental Health:
- Nearly 60% of LGBTQ+ adults are experiencing mental health challenges today.
- LGBTQ+ adults are three times as likely to experience a mental health disorder than individuals who identify as straight.
- An 18-state analysis discovered that the largest incidence of suicide among LGBTQ+ patients was in the middle-age group.
- The bisexual and transgender communities specifically have the highest rates of mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ population.
- An estimated 40% of all transgender adults report they have attempted suicide in their lifetime compared to less than 5% of the overall U.S. population.
- Approximately one-third of all U.S. adults with severe depression seek treatment from a healthcare professional.