What is it about?

This study looks at the mental health of people in Czechia who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or otherwise non-heterosexual. Using the first nationally representative survey on mental health that also included questions on sexual orientation identity, we were able to compare mental health outcomes and help-seeking behaviors between sexual minorities and heterosexual people. We found that sexual minority people reported much higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Our research also found that 9/10 people, regarding of their sexual orientation did not access professional help when struggling.

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Why is it important?

This is the first study in Czechia (Czech Republic) to provide population-level evidence about the mental health of both heterosexual and sexual minority people. Until now, research has mostly relied on small or community samples, making it hard to see the full picture. Our findings show a clear inequality: sexual minority people experience poorer mental health and in a general context of underserved mental health do not receive the necessary care. This evidence is timely and crucial for health policy, mental health professionals, and human rights advocates, as it demonstrates the urgent need for inclusive, affirming, and accessible support services as well as changes that would investigate and intervene at the level of true causes of these disparities.

Perspectives

As the first author of this study, I see this work as more than just a statistical analysis. It is a step toward making the experiences of sexual minority people visible in Czechia, a country where public debates often ignore or dismiss their realities. Collecting this data was not easy, but it was essential to show that these inequalities are real and measurable. I am grateful for support of my colleagues and openness at our institute. For me, the study is both scientific evidence and a call to action: to ensure that the mental health services are safe, welcoming, and effective for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

Dr. Michal Pitonak
Univerzita Karlova

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Mental health and help-seeking in Czech sexual minorities: a nationally representative cross-sectional study, Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, January 2024, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s2045796024000210.
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