“As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close and we look forward to kicking off Pride Month, we have the opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting the mental health of members of LGBTQI+ communities,” the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) stated in a recent e-newsletter. “LGBTQI+ people can face challenges due to prejudice, discrimination, and violence against their communities. These stressors can cause a higher prevalence of substance use and mental health issues among people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or gender diverse when compared to their straight, cisgender counterparts.”

SAMHSA encourages use of its Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit, which is available in English and Spanish.

Click here to read SAMHSA’s e-newsletter and access additional resources.