A recent study by myGwork has shed light on the pervasive mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ professionals globally. The study indicates that almost half of LGBTQ+ professionals have experienced depression, with particularly high rates among trans, non-binary, and bi+ individuals. Specifically, 53.3% of trans and non-binary respondents and 59% of bi+ respondents reported dealing with depression.
The research, which partnered with social psychologist and LGBTQ+ mental-health expert Marc Svensson, also found that nearly a third of LGBTQ+ professionals have experienced generalized anxiety disorder. The rates of anxiety were again higher among trans, non-binary, and bi+ participants, emphasizing the unique mental health struggles within these communities.
The myGwork study underscores the urgent need for better well-being support systems for LGBTQ+ professionals, both in societal and workplace settings. Despite progress in some areas, only 13.7% of respondents felt they could be fully authentic in their social or professional environments. This contrasts sharply with the 72% who felt more at ease with friends, and the nearly 36% who could be themselves around family.
The research also highlights regional differences, with the UK and Europe reporting higher levels of openness compared to North America and Africa. This geographic disparity points to varying levels of societal acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
However, there were some positive signs. About 58% of LGBTQ+ respondents were open about their sexual orientation at work, suggesting that inclusive workplace cultures can significantly improve comfort levels for queer employees. Nevertheless, the study also revealed a substantial gap in mental health support, with 75% of respondents indicating that their employers did not provide adequate training or policies to support their well-being.
myGwork co-founders Adrien and Pierre Gaubert emphasized the necessity for workplaces to not only be inclusive but to actively support LGBTQ+ employees. They called for urgent changes in workplace policies to address the mental health challenges identified by the study. As advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion, they urged employers and policymakers to implement comprehensive mental health support for LGBTQ+ professionals.
The research, which covered 65 countries and included responses from over 1,000 participants, highlights a critical area for improvement in the global effort to support LGBTQ+ individuals in their professional lives.