Coping with discrimination & stigma

Discrimination and stigma take many forms, but often cause harm and create unfair obstacles in people’s lives. Learn about the kinds of discrimination and how to cope with it.

What is it?

Discrimination, broadly, is a term used to describe the mistreatment of people based on things like race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, ability, age, and other parts of people’s identities. Stigma refers to negative perceptions and misunderstandings about certain individuals, groups or communities.

Sometimes, it can be hard to notice right away. In the United States, there have been massive efforts to combat discrimination, but unfortunately, it persists. Recent studies show nearly 70% of Americans have experienced some form of discrimination, and higher rates of experience with discrimination are related to poorer mental health outcomes and higher risk of suicide.1

Anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and stigma

Despite higher visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ folks, discrimination targeted toward LGBTQ+ people is still a major issue. Interpersonal discrimination is also common for many LGBTQ+ folks who experience familial and social rejection at higher rates than their straight, cisgender peers.2 Overall, data shows that LGBTQ+ individuals are 2.5 times more likely to express depression, anxiety, and substance misuse compared with heterosexual individuals.2

Transphobia involves negative attitudes, fear, and exclusion directed toward transgender or nonbinary people. Trans folks face undue amounts of violence, barriers to care and discrimination.

Homophobia and biphobia, prejudice and hatred toward gay and bisexual people, is similarly challenging. LGBTQ+ people are at significantly heightened risk for PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions—not because of who they are, but because of the way they’re often discriminated against in society (American Psychiatric Association). Coping with phobia can be very difficult. That’s why access to safe and accepting mental health care and affirming communities is so important.

What's causing it?

Living through discrimination and stigma is far from easy. Understandably, it can inspire a range of emotional reactions; it can make people feel angry, ashamed, and afraid. It can even contribute to physical and mental health problems—though it’s important to note that isn’t inherently because of who you are but because of the negative impact of prolonged mistreatment.

It’s common to experience multiple forms of discrimination at once, or different kinds at different times. This is called intersectionality. Basically, we are each empowered and oppressed by the intricate ways in which the parts of our identities intersect and how those intersections relate to systems of power (race, gender, class, etc).

The consequences for your mental health vary widely based on what discrimination you might experience, and how much protection you have against it.

How should I deal with it?

Discrimination and stigma can create complex problems. Aside from dealing with lack of access to healthcare, housing, and more, it can be difficult to cope with the challenges to your mental health, but it is all the more important.

Build pride for your community
Connect with others
Keep a routine that involves self-care

More Things To Try

What can I do now?

If you’ve experienced discrimination or felt the impact of stigma, you are not alone. Here are some resources we’ve collected to help you understand systems of oppression, and how to cope with your experiences.

Website | Support group
Find a Chapter | PFLAG
Online directory
Find a Support Group | Psychology Today
How-to article
How to Find a Culturally Competent Therapist | The Jed Foundation

More Resources

How to help a loved one

Discrimination and stigma aren’t easy to talk about. Because they are such massive, seemingly insurmountable problems, it can almost feel futile to try to unpack. But being there to talk about it, and act as a non-judgmental, listening ear, can be very powerful.

People who’ve experienced a lot of discrimination may have had to be resilient and strong their whole lives. It can be relieving to have a moment for vulnerability; just to cry or vent. Give your loved ones the space to feel their feelings, without expecting them to toughen up and get through it.

Offer support; don’t wait for them to ask. Asking someone, “How can I help?” is a simple way of showing you care for someone and making life a little easier for them. Even simple things like helping someone with their dishes, making them a home-cooked meal, or getting groceries can be a big help.

Another powerful antidote to the negative effects of stigma is community, culture, and pride. Encourage your loved ones who experience marginalization to be with other people who experience the same or similar things, who come from the same places, and share stories, build traditions, and celebrate each other’s history and resilience.

Sometimes discrimination is an urgent matter, and someone you know may be being harassed, abused, or is currently the victim of violence. It’s important to step in and intervene, to do your best to advocate for this person’s safety. Sometimes it takes a person in a different position of power to save another person from further abuse or mistreatment.

Don’t forget to acknowledge yourself and your own experiences. It can be tough to advocate for others when you’re also dealing with stigma and marginalization; but providing support for others, getting to know other people’s struggles and challenges, can help relieve some of the harm, too.

Citations

American Psychological Association. The Impact of Discrimination
Kaiser family foundation study

Coping with discrimination & stigma

What is it?

Anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and stigma

What's causing it?

Related emotions, moods and life challenges

How should I deal with it?

Build pride for your community

Connect with others

Keep a routine that involves self-care

What can I do now?

Related conditions

Citations