WTOP is marking Pride Month by showcasing the people, places and important issues in the LGBTQ+ communities in the D.C. area. They recently interviewed Whitman-Walker’s Sarah Lawson, supervisor of youth mental about the rejection, bullying and discrimination factors that can lead to mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, for LGBTQ+ youth.
“Many are dealing with family rejection. So a family that doesn’t accept them won’t get them the proper interventions,” said Sarah Lawson, supervisor of youth mental health for Whitman-Walker, a health care center in D.C. This could include gender-affirming medical care and therapy.
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Without proper mental health support, there can be tragic results. According to a survey by the Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ support group, LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to seriously consider suicide, to make a plan for suicide and to attempt suicide than their peers.
Lawson said for people without family support, there are options in D.C. She also encourages families to reach out and find other families who have gone through similar situations. Whitman-Walker offers a program called “Families in Transition,” which allows families to learn and grow together.
