Statistics represent people needing help

LGBTQ+ individuals face alarming mental health disparities, with higher rates of depression, suicide and substance use — struggles that affect real people, like my own family. As the mother of a transgender adult, I know firsthand the urgent need for expanded LGBTQ+-affirming services in Palatine. Passing the mental health board referendum on April 1 will ensure stable funding to provide essential support to all residents, especially those most at risk.

LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to face significant mental health challenges, including depression and suicide. Sexual minority males are up to three times more likely than straight males to experience major depression. Bisexual males are three times more likely — twice as likely as gay males — to experience serious mental illness. Over 25% of bisexual females and 14% of lesbian females had a major depressive episode last year.

The suicide risk among LGBTQ+ individuals is equally alarming: LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Last year, 41% had suicidal thoughts, including nearly half of transgender and nonbinary youth. In Illinois, 15% attempted suicide, with transgender and nonbinary individuals at the highest risk.

These statistics represent real people — like my friends who have lost children to suicide because of their sexual orientation.

Mental health struggles also fuel substance use. One-third of bisexual females, bisexual males and gay males have a substance use disorder. Lesbian and bisexual females are twice as likely as straight females to binge drink or engage in heavy drinking. It’s more than alcohol abuse; I’ve seen LGBTQ+ youth turn to drugs to self-medicate.

A mental health board would help fund LGBTQ+-affirming care, reduce wait times and ensure individuals receive the care they deserve.

Vote YES on April 1 to fund LGBTQ+-affirming care, expand crisis support and save lives.

Debbie Lane

Palatine