You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade to the latest version for the best experience. Upgrade your browser now.
Skip Navigation

LGBTQ+ Youth Struggled with Depression and Mental Health Amid Pandemic: A Conversation with David Bond, Michelle Meow and More

David Bond, Blue Shield of California’s director of behavioral health and lifestyle medicine says “LGTBQ + teens were at great risk of depression and suicide during the pandemic.”

Bond was part of a panel discussion June 21 on the Michelle Meow show that included nationally recognized LGBTQ+ youth mental health advocate Juan Acosta and T. Drake-Smith, youth coordinator at the Oakland LGBTQ Center. 

All three discussed topics ranging from the ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ youth, how they fared during distance learning, and how isolation during the pandemic caused stress to skyrocket, especially for teenagers who yet to come out to family members.