As we briefly spoke about last week across our social medias, February is LGBTQ+ History month. A month dedicated to observing the history of the LGBTQ+ community and was originally founded in 1994 with the aim of promoting equality/diversity whilst educating people on LGBTQ matters.
At Burton and District Mind we will be taking this opportunity to talk about some of the issues the LGBTQ+ communities experience as well as the help and support that is available to them.
Anyone can develop and experience mental health problems but there can often be issues like homophobia/transphobia and other hate crimes that cause LGBTQ+ communities to experience problems such as:
- Low self esteem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating problems
- Misusing drugs and alcohol
- Self-harm
- Suicidal feelings
- Other mental health problems
In a study done by Stonewall back in 2018, using data from 5000 people across the UK, 52% of them had experienced depression and three in five experienced anxiety. One in eight people said they’ve attempted to take their own life.
These statistics are worrying and we hope we can do our bit to change them.
We believe being LGBTQ+ should be seen as something great and empowering! People should be able to be themselves without fear of homophobia or any kind of abuse.
This month, let’s do more to help those around us who themselves are LGBTQ, lets help them feel heard.
During the report it was also noted that 14% of this group also avoided seeking healthcare due to fear of discrimination from staff. (If you would like further information on this the report can be found here https://www.stonewall.org.uk/lgbt-britain-health). At Burton and District Mind, we believe anyone should have access to help and support should they need it, and we really mean that.
You will never be judged. LGBT+ will always have a safe space with us. We are for you.
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