New Research from CHI: More Than Half of LGBTQ+ Adults Report Poor Mental Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Many people find love, support, and connection in the LGBTQ+ community. But being LGBTQ+ can also bring unique challenges that can have significant impacts on mental health. A new report from the Colorado Health Institute combines data from the 2019 and 2021 Colorado Health Access Surveys (CHAS) to offer insight into the experiences of LGBTQ+ Coloradans. CHI found that LGBTQ+ Coloradans were much more likely to report poor mental health than Coloradans who are heterosexual or cisgender — a term for those who identify with the gender they were assigned at birth.
Key Findings
- One in four heterosexual, cisgender Coloradans (25.2%) experienced poor mental health in the last month, compared to more than half (58.0%) of LGBTQ+ Coloradans.*
- The disparity in mental health was even more dramatic among transgender, nonbinary, and otherwise gender diverse Coloradans, more than three in four (77.1%) of whom reported poor mental health in the last month. In contrast, about three in 10 (27.7%) cisgender Coloradans reported poor mental health in the last month.*
- About two in five LGBTQ+ Coloradans (41.8%) did not receive the mental health services they needed, more than twice that of their heterosexual, cisgender neighbors (15.3%).
- LGBTQ+ Coloradans also anticipated a future need for behavioral health services in greater proportions than heterosexual, cisgender Coloradans (57.3% vs 17.6%). Gender diverse Coloradans were especially likely to anticipate a future need of behavioral health services, with three in four (76.7%) reporting they would likely require assistance in the next year.
*The CHAS defines poor mental health as having eight or more days in the past month that were characterized by feelings of stress, depression, or problems with emotions. All statistics are for Coloradans age 18 and up.
There are many opportunities to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ people in Colorado, including continuing to improve access to mental and behavioral health services across the state. This is especially important in rural areas where resources are limited. Future policy proposals should ensure that services are delivered by providers who are equipped to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Other initiatives could address social determinants of health, including access to affordable housing, equal employment and education opportunities, and community support programs.
The full report, Mental Health in Colorado’s LGBTQ+ Communities, is available on CHI’s website.
About the Colorado Health Access Survey
The Colorado Health Access Survey (CHAS) is the premier source of information about health insurance coverage, access to health care, use of health care services, and the social factors that influence health in Colorado. The biennial survey of more than 10,000 households has been conducted since 2009. Survey data are weighted to reflect the demographics and distribution of the state’s population. The 2021 CHAS was fielded between February 1 and June 7, 2021. The survey was conducted in English and Spanish. New questions were added to the 2021 survey to capture the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the impact of telehealth, social factors, and other topics. Visit colo.health/CHAS21 for information on the 2021 CHAS and our generous sponsors.
About the Colorado Health Institute
The Colorado Health Institute is a nonprofit and independent health policy research organization. CHI believes that good health policy leads to a healthier Colorado. Every day we bring research, insight, and expertise to leaders across the state, because informed decisions lead to better health for all.
Contact for the Colorado Health Institute
Jaclyn Zubrzycki, Communications Manager, zubrzyckij@coloradohealthinstitute.org or 720.382.7085