Personal Development theme of the month:

LGBTIQ+ and Mental Health

About LGBTIQ+ Mental Health

Some of us identify as LGBTIQ+. This means we may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, queer or questioning. Or we may define our gender and sexuality in other ways. Stonewall’s glossary lists many more terms. Anyone can experience a mental health problem. But those who identify as LGBTIQ+ are more likely to develop problems like:

Being LGBTIQ+ does not cause these problems. The reasons why those with LGBTIQ+ identities are more likely to get them are very complicated. But it is most likely to do with facing things like:

It’s important to remember that embracing your LGBTIQ+ identity can also have a positive impact on your wellbeing. It might mean you have:

increased confidence
improved relationships with your friends and family
a sense of community and belonging
the freedom of self-expression and self-acceptance
increased resilience.

What LGBTIQ+ experiences affect mental health?

Being LGBTIQ+ does not cause mental health problems. But some things you may go through as an LGBTIQ+ person can negatively impact your mental health. Examples of this include:

You might also feel that other factors are more important for you. Your mental health problems might have nothing to do with your LGBTIQ+ identity. Mind have detailed some of the causes of mental health problems.

What help and support is available?

It’s important to remember that you deserve support and respect, whatever your identity or background. And you have legal rights to access healthcare without discrimination.

The charity Mind has a page on LGBTIQ+ mental health support covering lots of options. This includes tips on self-care, seeking help and specialist LGBTIQ+ services. They also have useful contacts to many more places you could turn to for advice and support

Did you know that February is LGBT History Month?

This is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. Founded in 1994 in Missouri, USA by high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson, LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTIQ+ community.

Useful sources of information:

LGBT Foundation

LGBT Foundation provide a wide range of support services to lesbian, gay, bi and trans people. We also work with healthcare and other professionals to help make public services more accessible and inclusive for LGBT communities.

Mind

Gives information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ+).

Mental health Foundation

Since 1949, the Mental Health Foundation has been the UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health

Rethink Mental Illness

Improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through a network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning.