| Abstract [eng] |
There is currently little research on what formal or informal mental health care is sought by members of the LGBT community and what health services they avoid. This knowledge gap makes it difficult to improve the mental health status of these individuals and access to help. The aim of this work - to assess the mental health difficulties experienced by members of the LGBT community and the need for assistance in Lithuania. Objectives: 1. To assess the mental health difficulties experienced by members of the LGBT community in Lithuania. 2. To determine the need for mental health support among members of the LGBT community in Lithuania. 3. To identify factors that influence the possibilities of mental health support among members of the LGBT community in Lithuania. In order to achieve the aim and objectives of the study, a prevalence study was performed using the anonymous electronic survey. The study was conducted in cooperation with the Lithuanian National LGBT Rights Organization (LGL) in February-March 2021. The target group of the survey consisted of people belonging to the LGBT community. 248 respondents took part in the survey. The results of the study revealed that various mental health problems are common among bisexual and younger people. Bisexual, homosexual women and younger study participants showed low levels of anxiety. One-third of bisexuals, more women than men, are suspected of being addicted to alcohol and drugs. Bisexual subjects aged <30 years were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal tendencies. Women were more likely than men to have suicidal tendencies. All respondents in the study had been identified as needing help from a mental health professional, and most of them had sought help from a psychiatrist, psychotherapist or psychologist for their mental health condition, but bisexuals were more likely to be in need of help. The most common reasons for not seeking mental health care are fear of discrimination and hiding of the individual orientation. Keywords: LGBT, mental health, need for help, stigma, discrimination. |
