The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that the stigma and social prejudice, which still is present against homosexual youth, makes them more vulnerable to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and suicide.
For those people who decide to keep this significant part of themselves a secret, it's particularly stressful. Could you imagine having to hide who you're attracted to and who you love from the world? Could you imagine having this constant fear of being rejected by the people you care about -- even your parents. That would make me depressed too.
One of my best friends is a lesbian and, when she came out to her family and friends, I saw a significant change in her. Throughout high school and the beginning of college, I could tell that she was depressed. I tried to be there for her. But I never knew what was going on in her life. That was until she told me the truth. And it was as if a weight was lifted off her shoulders. And, suddenly, she was happier and more confident than I had ever seen her.
On top of that is also the fear of actually being harassed.
In a national study by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education
Network, researchers found that 90 percent of homosexual students reported being harassed or assaulted during the past year, compared to 62 percent of heterosexual teens.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court declared that gay couples married in states where it is legal must receive the same federal health, tax, Social Security and other benefits that straight couples receive.
As steps are taken to make the gay community equal in the eyes of the government, I'm hoping, more and more, they will be accepted in everyday life as well. And I hope this will also make the rates of depression and suicide among them decrease as well.
No one should be may to feel less than others.
 |
| AP Photo |
For those people who decide to keep this significant part of themselves a secret, it's particularly stressful. Could you imagine having to hide who you're attracted to and who you love from the world? Could you imagine having this constant fear of being rejected by the people you care about -- even your parents. That would make me depressed too.
One of my best friends is a lesbian and, when she came out to her family and friends, I saw a significant change in her. Throughout high school and the beginning of college, I could tell that she was depressed. I tried to be there for her. But I never knew what was going on in her life. That was until she told me the truth. And it was as if a weight was lifted off her shoulders. And, suddenly, she was happier and more confident than I had ever seen her.
On top of that is also the fear of actually being harassed.
In a national study by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education
Network, researchers found that 90 percent of homosexual students reported being harassed or assaulted during the past year, compared to 62 percent of heterosexual teens.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court declared that gay couples married in states where it is legal must receive the same federal health, tax, Social Security and other benefits that straight couples receive.
As steps are taken to make the gay community equal in the eyes of the government, I'm hoping, more and more, they will be accepted in everyday life as well. And I hope this will also make the rates of depression and suicide among them decrease as well.
No one should be may to feel less than others.
AP Photo The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that the stigma and social prejudice, which still is present against homosex...
