What Are LGBT Issues in Mental Health?

LGBTQ people are at higher risk for certain mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, low self-esteem, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

This increased risk stems from the challenges of living in a society where LGBTQ people face systemic discrimination, social stigma, and difficulty in finding acceptance among their family, friends and colleagues. Lacking a social support system can cause feelings of sadness, stress and isolation, which can in turn lead to mental health issues.

Should I Come Out as LGBT?

There isn't a single answer to this question - it's different for everyone. Some LGBT people find that coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender is empowering and helps them to feel more comfortable in their own skin. However, others find coming and being out to be difficult and stressful.

The decision of whether or not to come out as LGBT is yours and yours alone. If you do decide to come out, your therapist can help you with aspects such as planning the coming out process, establishing social support networks beforehand, and preparing for the possible reactions of others.

What is Sexual Orientation?

Sexual orientation refers to the predominant sexual and romantic attractions a person has towards others. Sexual orientation is innate to each individual and cannot be changed.

You may be attracted toward the opposite sex or gender (heterosexuality), the same sex or gender (homosexuality), or to both sexes or more than one gender (bisexuality or pansexuality).

You can also feel little to no sexual or romantic attraction towards others (asexuality and aromanticism).

What Is Gender Identity?

Gender identity is the gender which a person sees themselves as. This may or may not be the sex that they were assigned at birth. For example, a person with a female sex assigned at birth may identify as a male.

Gender identity is not the same as sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is about who someone is attracted to. For example, a woman may be attracted to men, women, or both. Someone’s gender identity does not have to do with their sexual orientation.

Gender identity is also different from gender expression. Gender expression is how someone outwardly shows their gender. This could be through clothing, hairstyle, make-up, body language, or voice. Someone’s gender expression does not have to match their gender identity.

What Is Gender Dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a condition in which a person experiences anxiety, discomfort or distress because there is a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity.

People with gender dysphoria may identify as being the opposite sex to the one they were assigned at birth, or they may identify as being neither male nor female.

Gender dysphoria is not the same as homosexuality – people with gender dysphoria may be attracted to people of either sex. Treatment for gender dysphoria usually involves psychological counselling and, in some cases, hormone therapy or surgery to change the physical appearance to match the person's preferred gender identity.

Family Counseling

Stress Management

Anxiety Therapy