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Why is Anxiety so Common
No one answer completely explains why anxiety is so common today. Many believe that this sharp rise is due to factors like poor sleep habits, social media, increasing cost of living, and underreporting in the past. For LGBTQ people, factors like discrimination, homophobia, social stigma, fear of harassment, and violence drive up anxiety.
Anxiety affects the quality of life of LGBTQ people who are already dealing with the struggles of living as a minority. Many resort to alcohol and drug abuse to cope with the effects of this condition, leading to co-occurring mental health disorders. At the same time, access to healthcare is more difficult for LGBTQ folks.
In this article, we explore anxiety, its various forms, and what can be done to heal from this condition.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of tension and worry that may be accompanied by physical symptoms like a faster heartbeat or higher blood pressure. While anxiety and fear are often confused, they are not the same. Anxiety is a long-lasting response to an uncertain or future threat, while fear is a short-term reaction to a clear and immediate danger.
Anxiety is a completely natural reaction to stress, and in small amounts, it can be helpful by keeping us alert and focused. However, anxiety disorders go beyond normal nervousness, causing intense and excessive fear or worry that can interfere with daily life. When people refer to “anxiety,” they are usually talking about its most common type— Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). People with the condition experience constant, excessive worry about everyday situations that may be distressing. Other types include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), agoraphobia, specific phobias, etc.
Why is Anxiety Common Among LGBTQ People
Social and environmental factors play a big role in anxiety. Experiences like childhood trauma, social isolation, major life stress, and health issues can all contribute. Pressure from work, school, and society can also make anxiety worse.
If you’re LGBTQ, you’ve probably learned how to read a room to gauge how safe it is to be yourself. This skill helps you move more safely within the world, but it comes at a cost—anxiety.
Heightened awareness among LGBTQ people often develops in response to persistent prejudice and discrimination. You could think back to your own experiences or ask any gender-nonconforming or non-heterosexual teenager, and you’ll hear about the fear, shame, and ridicule that make this kind of awareness necessary.
Constantly scanning your environment doesn’t just shape how you interact with others; it also shapes how you see yourself. Growing up surrounded by negative messages about being LGBTQ can lead to deep feelings of unworthiness, shame, guilt and self-doubt.
Psychologists call this experience of dealing with constant prejudice and discrimination minority stress. It has a serious, long-term impact on the mental health of LGBTQ people and can lead to anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
But minority stress is not the whole story. LGBTQ people also find joy, strength, and belonging in community, friendships, and love. Camaraderie and pride come from being surrounded by people who truly see and support you. No one, LGBTQ or not, is defined only by the struggles they have faced.
Anxiety and Substance Abuse
Most of the time, anxiety comes first, leading people to use substances as a way to cope. When life gets stressful and anxiety increases, some turn to drugs or alcohol for relief.
But substance use can also make anxiety worse. As your body gets used to a substance, you may need more of it to feel the same effect. When the substance leaves your system, anxiety can feel even stronger.
Some substances, like alcohol, can directly trigger anxiety. While drinking might seem to help at first, it actually makes anxiety worse over time. Certain medications can also have anxiety as a side effect, and frequent substance use can lead to developing an anxiety disorder. How a person reacts to different substances depends on the type and severity of their anxiety.
Treating Co-occurring Anxiety and Substance Abuse
As mental health awareness and LGBTQ visibility increase, more inclusive and appropriate treatment options are becoming available for people with co-occurring conditions.
Although there is no “cure” for anxiety, there are ways to lessen symptoms and find a sense of complete and permanent elimination. One-on-one counseling or group therapy in spaces where LGBTQ identity is embraced can help relieve anxiety.
For people who also struggle with substance abuse, treatment facilities like Inspire Recovery offer dual-diagnosis treatment. You do not have to face anxiety alone. There is a community of people with similar experiences from which you can find the strength that supports healing.
You Can Overcome Anxiety and Addiction
Feeling trapped by anxiety and relying on substances to get through the day? There is help out there for you.
Inspire Recovery provides a safe, LGBTQ-affirming space to heal and break free from addiction. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Call 561-763-9837 today to speak with someone who cares and understands.
