Depression Severity among a Sample of LGBTQ+ Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to immense impacts on global community health, the public perception of healthcare, and attitudes surrounding mental health during widespread quarantine. Methods: This analysis examines the rates of depressive symptomology among a sample of LGBTQ+-identifying individuals in the United States (n = 1090). The variables examined included socio-demographic factors, the use of mental health medication, access to mental health medication, and experiences of depression symptomology. Results: The findings indicate that depressive symptoms were less severe for older adults, as they reported higher levels of minimal to moderately severe depressive symptoms. Participants who were not working and those who were using substances were less likely to report depressive symptoms. Participants who were employed full-time reported higher levels of depression compared to those who were unemployed. Conclusions: Understanding the mental health of marginalized populations such as the LGBTQ+ community is critical to providing more nuanced preventative healthcare for unique populations, as members of the LGBTQ+ community are non-monolithic and require more personalized approaches to their healthcare needs.