Lgbtq mental health matters

LGBTIQ+ people: statistics

LGBTIQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, pansexual, trans, intersex, queer or questioning. We’ve used the term LGBTIQ+ on this page, but we realise this doesn’t cover all the ways people explain their gender or sexuality. Stonewall has a glossary that lists many more terms.

Mental health problems such as depression, self-harm, alcohol and drug abuse and suicidal thoughts can modify anyone, but they’re more common among people who are LGBTIQ+.

Being LGBTIQ+ doesn’t cause these problems. But some things LGBTIQ+ people go through can influence their mental health, such as discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, social isolation, rejection, and difficult experiences of coming out.

It’s important to note that embracing entity LGBTIQ+ can have a positive impact on someone’s well-being too. It might mean they have more confidence, a sense of belonging to a group, feelings of relief and self-acceptance, and better relationships with friends and family.

What issues might LGBTIQ+ people face?

Mental health issues

Being LGBTIQ+ doesn’t automatically mean someone will have mental health issues but may intend they’re at higher uncertainty of experiencing poor mental he lgbtq mental health matters

Mental health findings for LGBTQ+ Australians

Lifetime and 12-month mental disorder, by gender experience, 2020–2022[["Trans","Cis","","Trans","Cis","","Trans","Cis","","Trans","Cis"],[[43.899999999999999],[42.899999999999999],[null],[33.100000000000001],[21.300000000000001],[null],[70.599999999999994],[48.100000000000001],[null],[58.799999999999997],[31.100000000000001]],[[36.299999999999997,51.5],[41.799999999999997,44],[null],[25.5,40.799999999999997],[20.5,22.100000000000001],[null],[61.5,79.700000000000003],[46.200000000000003,50.100000000000001],[null],[45.600000000000001,72],[29.399999999999999,32.799999999999997]]][{"value":"16-85 years","annote_text":null,"x_value":"2","y_value":"96","x_axis":"0","y_axis":"0","x_offset":"0","y_offset":"-16","cell_row":null,"cell_column":null},{"value":"16-34 years","annote_text":null,"x_value":"8","y_value&

Mental health support if you're lesbian, gay, fluid or trans (LGBTQ+)

Mental health problems such as depression or self-harm can affect any of us, but they're more prevalent among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBTQ+).

This may be linked to LGBTQ+ people's experience of discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, bullying, social isolation, or rejection because of their sexuality.

Other things, such as their age, religion, where they dwell, and their ethnicity can include extra complications to an already difficult situation.

How talking therapy can help

It might not be easy, but getting help with issues you're struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do.

Talking with a therapist who's trained to operate with LGBTQ+ people may help with issues such as:

  • difficulty accepting your sexual orientation
  • coping with other people's reactions to your sexuality
  • feeling your body does not reflect your true gender (gender dysphoria)
  • transitioning
  • low self-esteem
  • self-harm
  • suicidal thoughts
  • depression
  • coping with bullying and discrimination
  • anger, isolation or rejection from family, friends or your community
  • fear of v

    Mental health issues if you're lesbian, same-sex attracted, bisexual, transgender or intersex

    Homophobic or transphobic discrimination and bullying can often conduct to mental health issues for people who are queer woman , gay, bisexual, trans or intersex (LGBTI+).

    How therapy can help

    Getting help with issues you may be struggling to deal with on your own is one of the most important things you can do.

    Some therapists specialise in LGBTI+ issues.

    They can aid you with:

    • difficulty accepting your sexual orientation
    • coping with other people's reactions
    • feeling your body does not demonstrate your true gender (gender dysphoria)
    • transitioning
    • low self-esteem
    • self-harm
    • suicidal thoughts
    • depression
    • hostility or rejection from family, friends or your community
    • fear of violence in public places

    Bullying and harassment

    Self-harm

    Getting help

    Do not suffer in silence. You should acquire help as soon as you sense the need. It's never too adv or too soon to get aide, no matter how big or little your problem might seem.

    You could help from getting aid if you:

    If you're struggling to cope right now, contact the Samaritans on 116 123. They offer a guarded place for you to talk a

    Pride Month 2024: Hour to Reflect on LGBTQIA+ Rights and Mental Health in the EU

    This article has been written Lucia Kleekamm from Mental Health Europes member Mental Health Crowd. Lucia is a proud lesbian chick raising awareness about the intersection between mental health and queerness in an attempt to serve everyone understand why celebrating Pride Month is so significant. This article was  first published in German in GEHEIMTIPP München.

     

    Rainbow flags, celebrations, and cities in vibrant colours – in a lot of cities in Europe, people are celebrating Pride Month this June. However, beyond the festive mood, there are thoughtful reasons why Event Month is more important than ever this year – one being the growth of extremist groups who pose a threat to queer rights across the EU.

    Mental Health in the Homosexual Community

    Sometimes you catch statements like: “Why do we still need a whole month for gender non-conforming people? Here in Europe, we are all already equal.” Unfortunately, this is not the life. Although the situation for queer people has generally improved, many still life hostility and negative encounters. Almost every queer person has their own