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LGBTQIA+ mental health

Information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+). 

About LGBTQIA+ mental health

Some of us identify as LGBTQIA+. This means we may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual. Or we may define our gender and sexuality in other ways. Stonewall's glossary lists many more terms.

Anyone can experience a mental health problem. But those of us who identify as LGBTQIA+ are more likely to develop problems like:

Being LGBTQIA+ does not cause these problems. The reasons why those of us with LGBTQIA+ identities are more likely to get them are very complicated. But it is most likely to do with facing things like:

It's important to remember that embracing your LGBTQIA+ identity can also have a positive impact on your wellbeing. It might mean you have: 

  • increased confidence 
  • improved relationships with your friends and family
  • a sense of community and belonging
  • the freedom of self-expression and self-acceptance
  • increased resilience. 

 I decided to come out as bisexual to my family and friends, one by one, which really helped me grow in my confidence. Things are getting better with my mental health too.

Other identities and challenges

We're using 'LGBTQIA+' as an umbrella term. But we know that LGBTQIA+ people do not exist as one group. Everyone is different. Our identities are a complicated mix of factors, including:

  • age
  • ethnicity 
  • religion
  • cultural background
  • socio-economic background
  • gender identity and gender expression 
  • sexuality
  • physical ability 
  • many other characteristics.

You might face many challenges in your life that other LGBTQIA+ people don't face, or even understand. This might include many other kinds of discrimination, social exclusion or social disadvantage.

This can make you even more likely to develop problems with your mental health, and make it even harder to get help.

What help and support is available?

It's important to remember that you deserve support and respect, whatever your identity or background. And you have legal rights to access healthcare without discrimination.

Our page on LGBTQIA+ mental health support covers lots of options. This includes tips on self-care, seeking help and specialist LGBTQIA+ services.

Our page of useful contacts also lists many more places you could turn to for advice and support.

Mental health and being LGBTQIA+

Watch Christine talk about her experiences of seeking help after her wife passed away.

Mind is campaigning for LGBTQIA+ people

At Mind, we believe we should all look out for one another's mental health. Especially when we know that some of us deal with higher levels of discrimination and isolation. And we believe that every mental health service provider should make sure their services are accessible and inclusive to all.

To learn more about our work supporting those of us from LGBTQIA+ communities, and find out how to get involved, email us at [email protected]

We also have other projects working to support those us from diverse and marginalised groups. Find out more about these.

This information was published in February 2020. We will revise it in 2023.

References and bibliography available on request.

If you want to reproduce this content, see our permissions and licensing page.

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