Bisexual & transgender adults report loneliness twice as much as straight adults

[Northern Star Girl]

Trigger Alert:
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support scroll to the
end of this posting for help and information.
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Bisexual and transgender adults report loneliness twice as much as straight adults: CDC

                              ADVOCATE (NEWS)
      https://www.advocate.com/news/bisexual-transgender-adults-loneliness-cdc

By: Ryan Adamczeski
June 21 2024 12:26 PM EST

EXCERPTS BELOW: (click NEWS Link above to view entire story)

Bisexual and transgender adults are facing a loneliness epidemic.

The groups reported experiencing loneliness twice as much as their straight peers in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, with 56.7 percent of bisexual adults and 56.4 percent to 63.9 percent of transgender adults reporting lack of social and emotional support.

Bisexual and transgender adults also reported having the highest rates of stress, frequent mental distress, and histories of depression, at 34.3 percent to 54.4 percent of bisexual adults and 36.1 percent to 67.2 percent of transgender adults.

Gay and lesbian adults also reported higher rates of loneliness than their heterosexual and cisgender peers, at 41.2 percent and 44.8 percent, respectively. The report noted that "prevalences of loneliness and lack of social and emotional support were high in young adults, most racial and ethnic minority groups, and among those with less than a high school education and low income."

"Evidence-based interventions and strategies that address social connection as a protective factor for mental health and well-being are needed, especially for persons who face disparities based on race, education, income, and SGM status," ...
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If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.



           

[Lilis]

This is heartbreaking, and I wonder with everything that is going on with the current administration if this information will be taking of the website as well.

[Allie Jayne]

Loneliness is a worldwide issue for trans people. It is simply so much harder to find a partner, and often social opportunities are limited. It is even worse for us late in life transitioners. For many groups including teachers, nurses, and enforcement officers, finding someone who understands you can be difficult, and so they often partner with other people in the same vocation. Trans people are often the same.

I knew when my wife left me that I would probably be on my own for the rest of my life. I did have a man pursue me for my affections, but I am asexual, and I haven't gotten over the pain from losing my former partner, so I just couldn't be with him. I joined a seniors group, ironically formed to help reduce isolation in older people, and I am enjoying a number of social activities with them, and I am lucky enough to still have the love of my family, so I get to spend time with them.

But most days I spend alone, except for my online connections, and yes, I feel lonely. And in this, I know I am not alone.

Hugs,

Allie

[Natali400]

I feel lonely at times, but I'm sure that one day I'll meet my soulmate.

[Lori Dee]

I feel lonely at times, but I'm sure that one day I'll meet my soulmate.

Same here. Hopefully, we will meet our soulmate while we still have a soul. 

[Lilis]

But most days I spend alone, except for my online connections, and yes, I feel lonely. And in this, I know I am not alone.

You're not alone, Allie Jayne. I can sympathize with everything you've shared. An epidemic, as described in the CDC article, is certainly something that should raise concern.

If anyone is struggling with this, it's important to remember that loneliness is not a personal failure but a societal issue. Being aware of this can help reduce internalized shame.

Hugs, 🫂💓

[Allie Jayne]

I should also point out that loneliness and isolation have been identified as significant contributors to shortened life expectancy. They foster poor eating habits, poor exercise habits, and poor mental health. It is important for humans to have social contact at least, and having a partner to share your life with is enriching in so many ways.

Isolation is self defeating, in that if you never have contact with other people, you will never develop relationships. I know it can be hard in a world where you feel others don't understand you, or you are self conscious about your appearance, but hiding is not the answer. With no other trans people in my area, I joined a Pride group, and while they didn't understand me, they readily accepted me as they felt somewhat similar to me. It broke my isolation, and helped me develop the courage to then join a cis seniors group.

I know it is very unlikely that I will ever find another soul mate, but at least I am no longer isolated, and there is a minute chance I might meet someone. And to tell you the truth, connecting with others just wasn't as scary as I had imagined! Sure, they probably think I am quirky, but they talk to me about things other than being trans, and that's healthy!

Hugs

Allie