LGBTQIA+ mental health
Information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+).
Supporting someone who is LGBTQIA+
A good support network helps all of us have higher self-esteem and better mental health. This is especially true for LGBTQIA+ people, who may be facing extra challenges.
This page gives some suggestions on how you can be supportive.
Don't make assumptions
Everyone's experience is different. Try to avoid making assumptions based on what you already know about mental health problems or LGBTQIA+ issues. Instead, ask the person what is going on for them.
Listen to their experiences
Growing up with a different sexual or gender identity means it's likely they have faced negativity. They may feel worried to open up and speak about their experiences. Giving them space to talk is important.
If they don't feel ready to speak to you, you could suggest they call a helpline like Switchboard.
Show them you care
Internalised homophobia, biphobia and transphobia means many LGBTQIA+ people struggle with low self-esteem. It may seem obvious to you that you care about them, but they may not realise this. Try to find ways to show them you care. For example, write them a card, cook them a meal, or take them out somewhere they'd enjoy.
Support them to seek help
You could reassure your loved one that it's OK to ask for help, and that there is help out there. Even if it's not always easy to find. If they would feel more comfortable using an LGBTQIA+ service, you could help them research one.
See our page on helping someone else seek help for more information.
Join a support group
A range of groups exist to support parents and friends of LGBTQIA+ people. Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG) has a list of parent support groups.
Read about LGBTQIA+ issues
Many organisations have advice for anyone looking to support LGBTQIA+ family members or friends. FFLAG has guides for family and friends supporting people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Learn more about their specific problem
If you are supporting a friend or family member with a specific mental health diagnosis like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, you can look up more information about it on our website.
Our page on types of mental health problems lists our resources on different mental health diagnoses and experiences. All these resources include a page of tips for friends and family.
Take care of yourself
Looking after someone who is struggling can be stressful. Remember that your mental health is important too. For more information on how to look after yourself, see our pages on:
This information was published in February 2020. We will revise it in 2023.
References and bibliography available on request.
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