# Looking after your mind as an LGBTQ+ person

> Why it can be harder, and where to find people who get it

Category: Mind & mood · 3 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/mind-mood/lgbtq-mental-health

## Quick answer

- The NHS says mental health problems are more common among LGBTQ+ people, linked to discrimination and rejection, not to who you are.
- You can ask for a therapist trained to work with LGBTQ+ people.
- Samaritans (116 123) and Shout (text 85258) are free and open any time.

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](https://splash.care/learn/mind-mood/luteal-anxiety), irritable, low or depressed
- Shut yourself away from people, or stop enjoying things you used to enjoy
- Use [alcohol](https://splash.care/learn/nutrition/caffeine-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.

> **Splash says:** you can try a service and leave if it does not feel right. Finding the right person sometimes takes a few goes, and that is normal.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP if low mood lasts 2 weeks or more or affects your daily life. If you cannot keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent help that is not an emergency, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option (England). You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time, or text SHOUT to 85258. Under 19? Childline is on 0800 1111.

## Sources

1. [NHS: Mental health support if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans (LGBTQ+)](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/advice-for-life-situations-and-events/mental-health-support-if-you-are-gay-lesbian-bisexual-lgbtq/)
2. [NHS: Where to get urgent help for mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/)
3. [NHS: Talking therapies](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/talking-therapies/)
4. [NHS: Gender dysphoria and incongruence](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria-and-incongruence/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).