Mental Health and Wellbeing
People living with an alternative sexual orientation or gender identity have been proven to be more at risk of suffering from mental ill health than their heterosexual counterparts.
Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realises their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to their community. In this positive sense, mental health is the foundation for individual well-being and the effective functioning of a community.
Poor mental health is also associated with rapid social change, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, risks of violence and physical ill-health.
Multiple social, psychological, and biological factors determine the level of mental health of a person at any point of time. For example, persistent socio-economic pressures are recognised risks to mental health for individuals and communities. LGBT people are at a greater risk of this due to their increased or perceived increase in discrimination negativity and social exclusion. This can lead to many of the feelings and symptoms below which we can offer support to deal with.
Feeling very unhappy without hope for the future
Great worry caused by a difficult situation that can cause irrational behaviour
An uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or worry about something that is happening or might happen in the future
Having a small amount of belief and confidence in your own ability and value
An unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful or bad that is happening or might happen
To deliberately hurt yourself, for example by cutting yourself, because you have emotional problems or are mentally ill
People who are suicidal want to kill themselves or are in a mental state in which it is likely that they will try to do so
Disclaimer
The information on this website should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any concerns regarding your own health or that of any other individual you should contact your GP or a GUM clinic as soon as possible.