Sadly, there can be no confusing the reality of the LGBTQ youth, since the COVID-19 crisis hit. The Trevor Project, a platform created so that young people from this community could reach out, in order to prevent suicide, has never seen as much activity as in the last few months. In fact, there were moments when it simply doubled its numbers of calls. These are troubling time for the LGBTQ youth.
1. Do not Be Afraid to Use the Tools at Your Disposal
The World Economic Forum, back in early April, had already sounded the alarm regarding ways in which they believed that the LGBTQ youth may find themselves in trouble, as the coronavirus kept going on, isolating them furthermore than they already were. The stress level on this group was already particularly high before the pandemic hit. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before their situation would get worse, as they got isolated from each other and the people who offer them help normally.
However, kids should not wait when they feel that they are getting to a breaking point, especially if they are part of a special group like LGBTQ. On the internet, you can make a stress test, which will let you know your level of anxiety. If it is quite high, you should not hesitate to call the hotline and whatever you do, do not hesitate to use tools like the stress app, which can help you manage your tension level and help you find solutions to various issues you are currently living.
2. The Continuity of what already Existed before
The fact that the numbers in demand for help are rising is not so surprising, considering that it was already quite high, even before the coronavirus health crisis hit the world. Depression, anxiety and suicide attempts were already the daily life of a much too large part of the LGBTQ population, before the coronavirus. It was obvious that the isolation would not be any help to them; quite the opposite.
When you are part of a minority, the risks of feeling discriminated, rejected and be victim of violence grows exponentially. It is only normal that the effect on mental health of such actions weighs heavy on you. However, these are not the only serious issues that the LGBTQ youth face regularly. They also have a much larger number of individuals from their group unemployed and homeless, which doesn't help them feeling part of something, especially when you are totally isolated thanks to the COVID-19.
