LGBTs and mental health

There are many factors which can affect our emotional well-being as
LGB’s, such as:

• Coming out
• Sexual confusion
• Accepting our sexuality
• Feeling open and honest with others

Of course, we can also experience the usual problems – such as money troubles, relationship problems and so on!

What can make it particularly difficult for us when dealing with these issues are the negative ways other people may treat us because of our sexuality. These can include:

• Verbal abuse
• Discrimination
• Rejection by friends and family
• Bullying
• Prejudice
• Harassment
• Physical abuse
• Abandonment

Together, or seperately, these may lead to feelings of:

• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Loneliness
• Anger
• Mental distress
• Fear of meeting strangers
• Addiction to drugs/alcohol
• Self-harm and even suicide