NU 665 C Week 12 Assignment 1

Homelessness in the LGBTQI Community: A Mental Health Crisis

Introduction

Whenever the issue of homelessness comes to mind, pictures of people sleeping on benches or otherwise taking shelter pop into one’s head. It is vital to bring forth a nearly overlooked group: LGBTQI homeless individuals. The situation is even worse than most people can ever envision and affects the general psychological functioning of these individuals. Let us begin first by understanding the reasons behind the cause. A large number of LGBTQI, mostly youth, end up homeless because families disown them immediately after they come out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or even transgender (Gattis et al., 2024). It is tragic and astounding. Others leave their homes alone due to insecurity or not being accepted. No matter what the situation may be, people end up homeless and have nowhere to go.

How does this topic contribute to mental distress and diagnoses?

Homelessness is challenging for everyone, but LGBTQI people face additional problems. Due to their sexual orientation or gender identity and lack of stable residence, these people face substantial hostility. This mixture of prejudice may harm their mental health. It is hardly unexpected that many suffer emotional issues. Thus, how does this affect mental distress and diagnosis? Think about it this way. Homelessness causes constant worries about sleeping, eating, and safety (Newcomb et al., 2019). That is stressful. Include the fear of LGBTQI-related harassment or violence. Carrying a hefty backpack may tire you.

People may become subject to every psychological disorder due to the constant stress they have to endure. It is hard to remain positive when one is devalued by the family and society. A second significant challenge would be anxiety. It is tiring always being on one’s toes, wondering what the next minute will bring (Gattis et al., 2024). To alleviate their symptoms, some people may engage in substance abuse that exacerbates their condition.

Epidemiology and economic costs to society

Now, let us discuss the figures. Although exact statistics are difficult to come by, research indicates that LGBTQI youths are 120% more likely to experience homelessness in comparison to their straight counterparts, which is twice as much! Additionally, approximately 40% of homeless youths identify as LGBTQI, which is a significant number of young individuals experiencing hardship while living on the streets (Ventriglio et al., 2022).

The societal cost of homelessness extends beyond emotional implications and encompasses significant financial burdens as well. Consider the expenses associated with shelters, trips to the emergency department, and mental health treatments. When people are unable to engage in employment due to mental health conditions, it results in a decrease in production (Gattis et al., 2024). Quantifying it precisely is difficult, but the government spends billions of dollars annually.

Overview of the assessment/tools to assess for DSM-5-TR disorder

How should one identify the persons who require such support? Mental health experts make good use of many tools. The LGBTQ Homeless Youth Provider Survey is one perfect example. This tool has been designed and tailored particularly to measure the need and engagement of the LGBTQ+ young people affected by homelessness (Ventriglio et al., 2022). It mainly focuses on sexual preference and identity, mental health issues, causes of homelessness and social support. In a nutshell, this tool enables the providers to understand more about the problems that homeless LGBTQ+ youth face, as well as address these problems adequately.

The Risk and Behavioral Assessment (RBA) is another important tool. Although not strictly designed for this population, it is commonly used with homeless clients and can readily be modified for the purpose of assessing specific LGBTQ+ concerns (Ventriglio et al., 2022). It can establish the level of housing insecurity, psychological distress and experiences of violence. The RBA can inform the particular safety concerns and requirements for the current time, which can guide the interventions for the LGBTQ+ homeless population.

Pharmacological interventions plan of care to include holistic interventions and psychotherapeutic options

When we talk about the issue of helping, what can we do for these individuals? Not every problem has a perfect answer, but there are ways to deal with them. So, there is medicine such as antidepressants and anxiety medications that assist a lot of people. Although such medication does not make everything magically disappear, it can calm you down and help you with the struggles of daily life (Makadon et al., 2015). Of course, a doctor has to carefully handle this, particularly for someone without a stable living condition. However, medication is not the only solution making it essential to consider the individual as a whole entity. When it comes to that, comprehensive therapies are the way to go. This might include things like:

Coming up with housing initiatives tailored exclusively for LGBTQI persons that provide a secure and inclusive environment (Gattis et al., 2024).
Providing vocational training and educational assistance to aid individuals in regaining stability.
Providing a safe space for individuals to connect with others going through similar situations.
Enhancing general well-being through nutrition and exercise programs.

Therapy is important throughout the process. Counseling may help people manage their emotions. These treatments may help:

Group therapy offers a feeling of togetherness and collective understanding.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) facilitates the modification of detrimental cognitive processes.
Family therapy can be of great help in instances where reconciliation is possible.
Trauma-focused treatment may benefit people with an addiction and victims of violent crimes.

The healing process is gradual. What works for one patient may not work for another. Treatment choices are essential. Community support is also necessary. Shelters and community facilities that are friendly to LGBTQI could offer great comfort (Gattis et al., 2024). Sometimes, peer support could help in the recovery of a victim if people undergoing similar challenges get to share their ordeals. Awareness through education helps in addressing the issue of LGBTQI homelessness and mental health (Ventriglio et al., 2022). The issue needs awareness amongst families and schools as well. Knowledge enhances support and acceptance. Policy reform is also necessary. Discrimination against LGBTQI in housing and employment requires legislation. Public authorities should subsidize services specifically for the LGBTQI homeless population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, totally eradicating the issue of homelessness among the LGBTQI community calls for the combined efforts of many groups. By discouraging prejudice, promoting acceptance, and offering specific assistance, we can ensure these people’s survival and success. The whole thing can prove challenging, but with kindness, understanding, and a commitment to improvement, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are least able to help themselves in our community.

References

Gattis, M., Henderson, N., Kemmerer, A., & Fourie, J. (2024). Psychosocial experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness in Cape Town, South Africa. Southern African Journal of Social Work and Social Development. https://doi.org/10.25159/2708-9355/13496

Makadon, H., Potter, J., Mayer, K., & Goldhammer, H. (Eds.) (2015). The Fenway guide to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health (2nd ed.). Fenway Institute.

Newcomb, M. E., Hill, R., Buehler, K., Ryan, D. T., Whitton, S. W., & Mustanski, B. (2019). High burden of mental health problems, substance use, violence, and related psychosocial factors in transgender, Non-Binary, and gender diverse youth and young adults. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(2), 645–659. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-01533-9

Ventriglio, A., Castaldelli-Maia, J. M., Torales, J., Chumakov, E., De Berardis, D., & Bhugra, D. (2022). New approaches for mental health of social minorities. International Review of Psychiatry, 34(7–8), 760–769. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2022.2133993

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NU 665 C Week 12 Assignment 1

Grading Category: Assignments

After you complete the readings, choose a topic related to LGBTQI behavioral/mental health. Examples include stigma, trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, bullying, or bipolar disorder.

In a Word document, write a synthesis paper that addresses the following sections:

Introduction to topic: How does this topic contribute to mental distress and diagnoses?
Epidemiology and economic costs to society
Overview of the assessment/tools to assess for DSM-5-TR disorder
Pharmacological interventions plan of care to include holistic interventions and psychotherapeutic options.

Your paper should be two to three pages long not including the cover sheet or APA references list and it should follow APA formatting for all components.

Please refer to the Grading Rubric for details on how this activity will be graded.

Week 12: Learning Materials

Readings

Required

Fitzpatrick, K.T.J. J. (2022). Advanced practice psychiatric nursing (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing LLC.
- Chapter 24: LGBTQIA+ Issues: Care of Sexual and Gender Minority Clients
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center. (2017). Glossary of LGBT terms for health care teams (PDF).
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center (2023). Behavioral health care for LGBTQIA+ people. Note: You must register and read the privacy statement to view the materials.
Yarbrough, E. (2018). Transgender mental health. American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
- Chapter 7: The Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis
- Chapter 8: Gender-Affirming Mental Health

Webinars

Note: You must register and read the privacy statement to view the materials.

Resources

Self-Assessment Checklist for Personnel Providing Services and Supports to LGBTQ Youth and Their Families (PDF).

Note: While you are not required to submit this as part of an assignment, you are encouraged to complete the self-assessment for professional development.

NU 665 C Week 12 Assignment 1