LGBTIQ+ students' mental health support

LGBTIQ+ student mental health experiences

Being LGBTIQ+ can mean you are more likely to develop a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression. Being LGBTIQ+ of course does not cause this, but going through experiences such as homophobia or discrimination can negatively impact your mental health.

Organisations for students can help you connect with others who share similar experiences:

• National Student Pride. This is the UK’s biggest event to celebrate and give opportunities to LGBTIQ+ students. Find out more on the National Student Pride website.
• National Union of Students (NUS) LGBTIQ+ campaign. This NUS campaign is to represent LGBTIQ+ students and extend and defend their rights. Find out more about the NUS LGBTIQ+ Campaign on NUS Connect.
• Your own student union. Try to find out if your student union has an LGBTIQ+ society, network or peer support groups you can join.

For more information, see our page about LGBTIQ+ experiences.

"I could not join the LGBT network at university because the group was biphobic. I heard many of the members using the terms 'greedy' or 'confused'. I couldn’t be my whole self anywhere."

Find support for LGBTIQ+ student mental health

Students who identify as LGBTIQ+ may face extra challenges around getting the right support for mental health. Sometimes there are extra needs or concerns.

Try to remember that different things work for different people at different times. Only do what you feel comfortable with, and try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

For our full list of support options, see our LGBTIQ+ mental health useful contacts page.

MindOut

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people. It works to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ communities and to make mental health a community concern.

They welcome all LGBTIQ+ people and those who may not identify as LGBTIQ+ including:

• men who have sex with men
• women who have sex with women
• intersex people
• people who previously identified as trans
• people who are questioning their sexual and/or gender identity.

Visit the MindOut website for further information and support.

Student Space support services

Student Space provides information and support to help students through the challenges of the pandemic. It offers some services specifically for LGBTIQ+ students:

• Support for trans, gender-diverse and non-binary students. A confidential phone line, webchat and online forum, delivered by the charity Mermaids. Find out more about Student Space support for trans students.
• Support for Punjabi LGBTIQ+ students. An an online support group, delivered by the charity Taraki. Offers mutual support, discussion and wellbeing strategies. Find out more and sign up for the Punjabi LGBTIQ+ group at Student Space.

Supporting other LGBTIQ+ students

Having a strong support network can help to build higher self-esteem and look after your mental health. This may be particularly true for LGBTIQ+ people, who may be facing extra challenges.

For tips and information, see our page on supporting someone who is LGBTIQ+ with their mental health.

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