LGBTQ+
Anybody can experience thoughts of suicide. It’s important to emphasise that being LGBTQ+ does not cause suicidal thoughts, rather the issues and challenges faced by those that are LGBTQ+, can sometimes contribute, such as: homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, social exclusion, difficult experiences coming out, discrimination and stigma.
These challenges can result in stress which can contribute to higher levels of mental illness, isolation, depression, feelings of victimisation and stressful interpersonal relationships with family, peers and community. Other things, such as age, religion, where you live, and ethnicity can add extra complications to an already difficult situation.
Mental health problems such as depression or self-harm can affect any of us, but they’re more common among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBTQ+). Discrimination and stigma from others that many individuals experience in their everyday lives, whether at home, work or school is one of the main reasons behind this. This stigma and discrimination, and the fear of it happening, can prevent individuals from reaching out for help when they need it.
Promoting positive mental health is really important, as is recognising if a person may be suffering from a mental health problem and liaising with the appropriate services.
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