How did pandemic-induced isolation impact LGBTQ mental health differently than the general population, and what does this reveal about social support structures?
There is less known about how people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) have been affected by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research has found that LGBTQ individuals may be more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation even before the pandemic due to discrimination and stigma they face in their daily lives (Meyer et al., 2018; Barker & McCreery, 2016).
Limited research has examined how these individuals' experiences differ from those of the general population during the current global public health crisis. This review will explore how social isolation has uniquely impacted LGBTQ individuals and what it can tell us about existing social support structures for this group.
Impact on LGBTQ Mental Health
The pandemic has caused significant stress and anxiety for many people, but for some LGBTQ individuals, the added challenges of discrimination and marginalization have exacerbated these feelings. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, nearly half of LGBTQ adults in the United States reported experiencing increased levels of anxiety or depression since the start of the pandemic (Pew Research Center, 2020). The same study also found that only around one-third of LGBTQ individuals had someone they could confide in about mental health issues, compared to 43% of non-LGBTQ respondents. Moreover, only 26% of LGBTQ individuals had talked with family members or friends about their mental health, while 52% had not. These findings indicate that LGBTQ individuals may feel less comfortable seeking support from loved ones or formal sources.
Social Isolation Experiences Differ From General Population
In addition to the psychological effects of isolation, there is evidence that LGBTQ individuals may be more likely to experience physical distancing than others. A study of over 18000 US adults found that LGBTQ respondents were significantly more likely to report staying at home all day during quarantine than heterosexual or cisgender participants (Burke et al., 2020). This pattern was even stronger among bisexual individuals, who were nearly twice as likely to self-isolate than gay or lesbian counterparts (Burke et al., 2020).
This study did not explore why certain groups may have been more isolated than others. It is possible that these individuals felt greater social pressure to protect themselves and others due to stigma and discrimination related to sexuality or gender identity.
Implications for Social Support Structures
The limited access to social support experienced by many LGBTQ individuals suggests a need for improved support structures that are specifically tailored to this group's needs. Current support services may not adequately address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ communities, such as systemic barriers to accessing care or cultural competence in providers (Meyer et al., 2018).
Existing programs may not reach individuals who lack internet access, live in rural areas, or struggle with transportation issues (Barker & McCreery, 2016). By better understanding the experiences of LGBTQ individuals during the pandemic, we can develop targeted interventions that meet their specific needs and improve overall mental health outcomes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on mental health, but it has disproportionately affected LGBTQ individuals. While some research exists on how isolation affects this group, further studies are needed to understand how these experiences differ from those of the general population. This review demonstrates that social support structures must be adapted to better serve LGBTQ individuals, particularly those who face additional obstacles to accessing care.
How did pandemic-induced isolation impact LGBTQ mental health differently than the general population, and what does this reveal about social support structures?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of individuals belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) community. Studies have found that members of this community experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness during the pandemic compared to the general population.