LGBTQIA+ and Mental Health
LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/ questioning, intersex and asexual, with the ‘+’ encompassing the many other affirmative ways in which people may identify.
Different people prefer a variety of acronyms in terms of how they identify, and importantly, the ‘+’ also signifies that some people may not identify within LGBTQIA+ at all, but it recognises that they do not fit into traditional categories of gender and/ or sexuality. Within this acronym, it’s also important to recognise that many bisexual people may actually identify as ‘pan/ pansexual’ which means that they feel sexual or romantic attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity.
I felt it was important to write a post because there are undeniable and statistical links between people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and mental health issues. That isn’t to say that being LGBTQIA+ is the cause of mental health problems. After all, issues such as anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, panic disorders, substance abuse, trauma (etc) can be experienced by anybody. However, it remains an unfortunate fact that many people identifying as LGBTQIA+ consequently experience things in their life that can lead to a decline in their mental health. These events might include past or ongoing discrimination, marginalisation, stigma, prejudice, transphobia, homophobia, bi erasure, rejection, abandonment and social isolation, amongst others. As a result, although being LGBTQIA+ doesn’t mean that you necessarily will experience mental health problems, it may mean that you are at a higher risk.
Statistics outlined by Mental Health UK highlight this further:
. LGBTQIA+ people are at more risk of suicidal behaviour and self-harm than non-LGBTQIA+ people.
. Gay and bisexual men are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide across their lifetime than the rest of the population.
. LGBTQIA+ people are 1½ times more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorder compared to the rest of the population.
. 67% of trans people had experienced depression in the previous year and 46% had thought of ending their life.
. Stonewall’s ‘Prescription for Change’ report found lesbian and bisexual women had higher rates of suicidal thoughts and self-harm compared to women in general.
. Of all the common sexual identity groups, bisexual people most frequently have mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorder, self-harm and suicidality.
There is also the issue of intersectionality in terms of how there may be further inequalities experienced by LGBTQIA+ people who are also from ethnic minority groups, or living with disabilities, etc. More information on intersectionality here.
So.
What does this mean for me as a counsellor, and you as a potential client?
It means that it’s important to remember that if you’re experiencing any of these difficult life events, experiences, emotions and thoughts linked to your identity as a LGBTQIA+ person, then there is mental health support out there for you. And it’s important that you find a therapist you truly click with (which is why I’ve left links at the end of this post, that may help you to research therapists if that person isn’t me!).
Taking that first step of asking for help can feel astronomically hard, especially if you are used to disguising your emotions, distracting yourself from your thoughts/ feelings, or just getting on with it. It can feel far more difficult to address your problems and work through them, than to put them into a box which can lead to suppressing your true self. But you deserve to feel heard, and you deserve to live a life full of acceptance and even celebration of who you are as a unique individual.
You are enough. You are more than enough.
Some final thoughts
There is nothing more beautiful and powerful than somebody who chooses to be themselves. As Brené Brown (a researcher and author who has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy) says:
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”
And I invite you to open that chapter when you’re ready…
*** Links to support resources ***
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
(Free mental health support charity)
(Free mental health support charity)
(Directory to research and find your own qualified counsellor/ therapist)
(Mental Health Service run by, and for LGBTQ+ people)
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/young-futures/lgbtq-support/mental-health
(Advice and resources for supporting your mental health as an LGBTQ+ person)
(further links for mental health support for LGBTQ+ communities)
You can also go to your GP to discuss mental health concerns, who can signpost you to other support resources, including free short-term NHS counselling.