LGBT+ & Mental Health
Posted on 3rd February 2022
February is national LGBT+ history month and as mental health problems are more common in people who identify as LGBT+, we want to shed a light.
Causes
It's important to note that identifying as LGBT+ doesn't cause mental health issues in itself, but some of the things they may experience can factor in to poor mental health, such as:
Increased likelihood of being a victim of hate crime
Discrimination
Bullying
Social isolation
Body dysmorphia
Rejection
Family conflict
Lack of support
The Numbers
Over the last year, out of LGBT+ respondents:
Half experienced Depression
3/5 experienced Anxiety
Of those who are transgender, half thought about ending their own life
Of those ages 18-25, 1/8 attempted suicide
1/6 said they drank alcohol almost every day in the last year
The Rainbow Lining
But sometimes embracing your LGBT+ identity can have a positive impact on your wellbeing, you may experience:
Increased confidence
A sense of community
Freedom of self-expression
Increased resilience
Specialist support is also availiable.
If you are enjoying our information & advice and would like to access downloadable resources, interactive activities, live events, 1-2-1 support and more - Join our Strive community today.
Our online platform will help you improve your wellbeing and mental health by guiding you through the 10 Keys of Happiness which you can work through at your own pace with content you can read, do, watch and listen to - whichever suits you!
Share this post: