LGBTQ+ individuals are 2X as likely to face mental health issues. Learn why it’s important to provide affirmative, inclusive and effective care – and how we do it at Keta MC.
Mental health challenges disproportionately affect the LGBTQ+ community: Studies indicate that LGBTQ+ individuals are more than twice as likely to encounter mental health issues, with a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. This underscores the importance of offering inclusive and affirming mental health care, and for practitioners to acknowledge and understand the unique struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Challenge of Stigma and the Need for Understanding
Despite significant progress in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, internalized and external stigmas still make treatment unique and challenging. Many LGBTQ+ individuals grapple with deep shame and lack of self-acceptance, while external stigma can manifest through societal rejection, prejudiced or uninformed mental health practitioners, and even from feelings of judgment within the LGBTQ+ community itself. Unwelcoming environments can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, increasing the risk of suicide. LGBTQ+ individuals also frequently lack support from family members or peers who share their experiences, making it challenging to find understanding and acceptance.
A Unique Treatment Approach for Truly Supportive Care
Recognizing the unique journey of each individual, who may carry multiple intersecting identities, is essential in providing effective and compassionate care. Dr. Margie Nichols, a pioneering authority in LGBTQ+ mental health, has spoken about the necessity of a perspective that is acutely aware of the specific societal impacts on mental health within the LGBTQ+ community. And they should be in any space or practice that caters to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Why Ketamine Treatment is Promising for LGBTQ+ Patients
Ketamine, traditionally used as an anesthetic, has emerged as a promising treatment for various mental health conditions, especially in cases where other therapies have failed – though it is probably better known as a street drug, widespread within the club scene. Commonly referred to as “K,” it’s sought after for its dissociative effects, offering a temporary escape from reality.
But ketamine has another side to it. Delilah Friedler describes the dual phenomenon in a 2023 Rolling Stone article, “While K distances me from my feelings, often what follows the high is a re-association: I return to sobriety with the dots of my mind and body connected differently, helping me adapt to an ever-changing world.” And that’s why ketamine has shown significant promise in medical settings. A rapid “reset” of thought patterns is what makes ketamine so effective that it has even been hailed by some medical researchers as a “new era” in the battle against depression and suicide.
At Keta Medical Center, we harness these transformative properties to support our patients’ journey toward healing. We’ve observed that ketamine significantly helps patients navigate complex emotions like shame and trauma, which for LBGTQ+ individuals can be rooted in experiences of homophobia and transphobia. Our team prioritizes creating an LGBTQ+ sensitive environment where patients can really let go. Each patient engages directly with physicians to develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that ketamine therapy is integrated with ongoing support and counseling. Any LGBTQ+ individual who decides to try ketamine treatment because traditional treatments have failed should make sure that the treatment center of their choice offers a safe space and an affirmative environment for LGBTQ+ people.
Example: Treating Depression with Ketamine
More than 30% of patients with depression do not find relief from traditional antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. For many in the LGBTQ+ community specifically, depression remains a significant challenge. Ketamine offers a different approach; it works by acting directly on neurotransmitters to quickly alleviate depressive symptoms. Research shows that 70% of patients undergoing a full course of ketamine therapy report substantial improvements, offering hope to those who have not found relief through other methods.