Mental health

Research shows lesbian, gay and bisexual people may be more likely to suffer mental health problems than heterosexuals. This is most certainly NOT because we are gay but possibly because people may still see being gay as an illness! In reality many factors may effect our mental health as LGBs, such as coming out; accepting our sexuality; and feeling open and honest with others. Of course, this doesn’t mean we don’t have all the usual stuff – like relationship problems, issues at work,money troubles etc. What often makes these issues harder to deal with, is the negative way other people may treat us because of our sexuality – such as:

• Discrimination
• Bullying
• Verbal abuse
• Prejudice
• Harassment
• Abuse
• Rejection

Together these may lead to feelings of –

• Mental distress
• Depression
• Loneliness
• Anger
• Low self esteem
• Guilt and shame
• Anxiety
• Suicide and self harm