Looking after your mind as an LGBTQ+ person

Mental health problems like depression and self-harm can affect any of us. The NHS says they are more common among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBTQ+). It links this to things like discrimination, bullying, isolation and rejection, not to who you are. If your mood is low, it is not your fault, and you do not have to cope alone.

When it might be time to reach out

The NHS says not to suffer in silence, and that it is never too late to get help. Getting help could be worth it if you:

• Feel tired, low on energy, or have problems sleeping
• Feel anxious, irritable, low or depressed
• Shut yourself away from people, or stop enjoying things you used to enjoy
• Use alcohol or drugs to cope with your feelings
• Harm yourself or have thoughts about it
• Think about suicide

Finding the right support

• A GP can tell you what help is available locally. Be as honest as you can, so they can suggest the best option. You can ask for a therapist who is trained to work with LGBTQ+ people.
• NHS Talking Therapies: if you are 18 or over you can refer yourself for things like depression and anxiety, without a GP.
• Listening services: the NHS lists the Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline (phone, email and online chat), which can also give you details of LGBT-friendly therapists.
• Community organisations: the NHS also lists Gendered Intelligence (groups for trans, non-binary and questioning young people), LGBT Foundation, London Friend, Mind's LGBTQIA+ pages, and the Pink Therapy directory of therapists. Check their websites for current contact details.
• While you wait for a gender service: the NHS says to speak to a GP about support in the meantime.

Talking to a therapist who understands can help with things like accepting who you are attracted to, other people's reactions, feeling that your body does not match who you are, transitioning, low self-esteem, bullying, and rejection by family or friends.