It’s so important to value the mental well-being of the LGBTQ+ community to help create a supportive environment, and to boost overall health.

In this blog, we’ll look at mental health challenges specific to the LGBTQ+ community, discuss why acceptance and inclusion are important, explore strategies to promote healthier minds, and share people’s experience of how they’ve come to accept their sexuality.

Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community

When it comes to mental health, members of the LGBTQ+ community experience increased rates of stress and depression compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts.

Appreciating the emotional well-being within this community helps us use resources and create support structures more effectively to address these needs.

5 Strategies to support the LGBTQ+ Community:

1. Be aware of the mental health triggers in the LGBT community. The mental health of those in the LGBTQ+ community can be influenced by matters they may experience. These include prejudice, exclusion, internalised discomfort – and the process of figuring out their sexual orientation or gender identity. All these can bring up emotions of loneliness, heightened pressure, and not feeling accepted. It’s important to understand and address these experiences to provide support and improve the mental well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. 

2. Promote a culture of inclusivity and acceptance. Inclusivity and acceptance are vital for making the LGBTQ+ community feel appreciated, valued, and safe. Raising awareness, making policy changes, and fostering inclusive practices in education, healthcare and community settings are all essential. Family can also have an impact on mental health, so it’s important to educate ourselves and others so we can provide acceptance and comfort. Check out our affirmation wristbands to remind yourself or someone you love that they are enough.

• Check out Molly Maher’s story on how her bi identity affected her mental health.
• Charlotte shares her story on mental health and accepting her sexuality.
• Sarah shares her story on accepting her sexuality. 

3. Research resources to support the LGBTQ+ community. Therapy and counselling should come first when it comes to supporting mental health in the LGBTQ+ community. Culturally sensitive care, support groups, community centres, crisis hotlines, and educational initiatives exist that are tailored to LGBTQ+ members. Social media can also help create an accepting, inclusive atmosphere for these individuals, normalising them in society.

Here are some charities that provide specific support for the LGBTQ+ community:

• BGIOK provides advice and information for people under 25
• The Switchboard LGBT Helpline provides advice and information for all
• The LGBT+ Cymru Helpline is a global organisation that provides advice and support for the LGBTQ+ community. 

4. Provide a safe space and talk about mental health. As previously mentioned, the LGBTQ+ community can unfortunately face prejudice, discrimination, and intense self-doubt. Having a discussion with your LGBTQ+ family and friends about their mental wellness and ensuring they feel respected and safe can be invaluable in improving their mental health. 

5. Promote allyship or wear LGBTQ+ jewellery. There are so many ways you can show your support to your LGBTQ+ friends or family. Some of these include:

• Using the correct pronouns – When meeting new people, adding your pronouns as part of your introduction is a great way to ensure everyone remembers them along with your name. Alternatively, you could wear one of our pronoun pins or necklace, so it’s clearly visible to anyone you talk to. Have a read of our other blog to see how to use pronouns correctly.
• Stop casual jokes about sexual orientation – It’s always best to avoid jokes regarding the LGBTQ+ community, as you never know how an individual may react or take it to heart.
• Respect their privacy – When your loved ones confide in you about their identity, show them you care and honour their trust.
• Engage in allyship – Combat discrimination and prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community. By standing with them, we can help foster courage and assurance. Have a look at our ally pin badges.
• Wear LGBTQ+ jewellery – Even if you don’t identify as LGBTQ+, you can still show your support by wearing LGBTQ+ jewellery such as a rainbow lanyard, wristband, or keychain. Have a browse at our full LGBTQ+ range.

In summary, we aim to help build a society that values mental health and supports the LGBTQ+ community. Together we can shape a future where mental health is a priority and everyone is respected for who they are.

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