What does the term LGBTQ+ mean?

LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other gender diverse identity. It used as an umbrella term to describe people with certain sexual orientations, gender identities or gender expressions.

Why are some members of the LGBTQ+ community affected by mental health issues?

Identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community is not in any way an expression of poor mental health. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ people are at greater risk of discrimination and harm due to negative preconceptions, stigma and prejudice. 

Feeling unaccepted or unable to live freely can lead people to experience low self esteem, increased stress levels and heightened anxiety resulting in isolation and loneliness. 

Rejection from family, social, and professional situations, as well as other traumatic life events, also cause further harm to health and wellbeing.
 

What types of mental health conditions can affect people within the LGBTQ+ community?

Unfortunately, people within the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience mental health problems than their heterosexual counterparts. Although there is no single identifiable reason for this, traumatic events, discrimination or exclusion related to prejudices about gender identity and sexuality can significantly impact upon a person’s mental health. 

Mental health conditions which are more common amongst LGBTQ+ people include:

• depression and mood disorders
• stress and anxiety disorders
• trauma related mental health difficulties, such as adjustment reaction, post-traumatic stress disorder and complex PTSD
• personality disorders
• suicide or suicidal thoughts and ideation
• substance misuse
• body image and eating disorders

Societal stigmas about mental health issues can lead to people to avoid speaking about these matters with family, friends or a medical specialist.
Sadly, many LGBTQ+ people who seek out healthcare also experience discrimination or insensitivity, resulting in delays in getting the help they need or in some cases, meaning they don’t receive any at all.
 

When should you see a specialist?

If you are feeling symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety or any other signs of mental health difficulties, you should seek advice from a trusted specialist.

Signs to look out for include:

• lasting feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
• negative thoughts and low self-esteem
• irritability and angry outbursts 
• loss of interest in socialising and hobbies
• reduction in sex-drive
• little or disturbed sleep, including nightmares
• excessive sleep
• poor concentration and memory
• flashbacks of traumatic experiences
• reduced appetite and weight loss
• weight gain and increased cravings for food
• fatigue and lack of energy
• suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts about death
• general aches and pains with no obvious cause
• excessive alcohol consumption or use of drugs
• feeling restless, tense or on-edge without a clear or reasonable cause
• uncontrollable feelings of worry
• high blood pressure
• panic attacks
• indigestion or heartburn
   

How can you support a loved one who is experiencing mental health issues?

There are many ways you can support a loved one, including:

• creating a safe and accepting environment for them to share their feelings and thoughts
• actively listening, which includes checking their concerns, supportive enquiring of relevant information and clarifying what support they would like

Asking respectful and open questions and reflecting a person’s use of language and pronouns can help to do this.
 

How can a specialist help?

A specially trained psychiatrist can carry out a comprehensive assessment that includes physical, psychological and social factors. The psychiatrist can then provide support and treatment for mental health condition or conditions, which may include various forms of therapy or medications as appropriate.

Having access to the right form of treatment and the specialist advice of a trained professional can help to alleviate symptoms, boost wellbeing and self esteem and significantly improve quality of life.
 

What type of specialist treats mental health issues?

Specialist psychiatrists and psychologists are extensively trained to treat mental health problems.

In addition to providing a concise explanation of all of the possible factors, such as biological, psychological, developmental, cultural, and social that may contribute to a person's difficulties, psychiatrists also recommend appropriate treatments, which may include a single medication or a combination of medications, psychological therapies, and social support.

There are also several other types of care professionals who can support mental health needs such as trained nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers with experience of working in mental health.