LGBT Mental Health

 


Overview of LGBT Mental Health

LGBT populations are not prioritised in Queensland’s mental health or suicide prevention strategies.

41% of homosexual/bisexual people had a mental disorder in the previous 12 months, compared to 20% of heterosexual people (ABS (2007) National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results).

This is higher than for any age group, any income level, any area of residence, any education level, and any employment status.

LGB people attempt suicide at rates between 3.5 and 14 times those of their heterosexual peers. Among transgender people the prevalence of attempted suicide is 16% to 47% (Suicide Prevention Australia (2009) Suicide and self-harm among Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities).

28% of lesbians v. 8.3% of heterosexual females and 20.8% of gay men v. 5.4% of heterosexual men report deliberate self-harm. These rates are even higher among younger bisexual men and women (Ibid).

 

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Learn about Mental Health and Wellbeing with STANLEY

Mental Health and Wellbeing with Stanley

Stanley may not really understand mental health, but he knows it is really important to have, especially for LGBT people.

Learn about Mental Health and Wellbeing with Stanley.

DOWNLOAD STANLEY'S FACTSHEET ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH


Learn about Homophobia and Transphobia with CHARLES

Homophobia and Transphobia with Charles

Homophobia is really getting to Charles, though he would really like to do somthing about this. And he can!

Learn about homophobia and transphobia with Charles.

DOWNLOAD CHARLE'S FACTSHEET ABOUT HOMOPHOBIA & TRANSPHOBIA


Learn about Depression with GEORGE

Depression with George

George knows that feeling average isn't good for him, and perhpas its more than just feeling down.

Learn about derpression with George.

DOWNLOAD GEORGE'S FACTSHEET ABOUT DEPRESSION


Learn about Anxiety with BARBRA

Anxiety with Barbara

Barbara loves to be Queer, but doesn't like to feel queer...
especially as it can stop her from doing the things she really enjoys.

Learn about anxiety with Barbara.

DOWNLOAD BARBARA'S FACTSHEET ABOUT ANXIETY


Learn about Invisibility and Isolation with ROGER

Invisibility with Roger

Roger doesn't like others giving him labels.  He knows exactly who he
is, but would like others to accept and welcome him as he is..

Learn about invisibility and isolation with Roger.


Learn about Gender Assumptions with JANET

Gender Assumptions with Janet

Janet's gender is really important to her, and she would just like a little bit of respect from other people in her community.

Learn about gender assumptions with Janet.

DOWNLOAD JANET'S FACTSHEET ABOUT TRANSGENDER MENTAL HEALTH


Learn about Supporting Friends with SHIRLEY

Supporting Friends with Shirley

Shirley's friends are like her family, and she would like to be able to look after them when they need a little help.

Learn about how to support your friends with Shirley.

DOWNLOAD SHIRLEY'S FACTSHEET ABOUT SUPPORTING FRIENDS


Learn about Natural Disasters with GLORIA

Natural Disasters with Gloria

Gloria had enough on her plate even before her house was damaged by a natural disaster.

Learn about recovering after natural disasters with Gloria.

DOWNLOAD GLORIA'S FACTSHEET ABOUT NATURAL DISASTERS


Tips on How to Connect with the LGBT Community

Connection and belonging are really important for your mental health and wellbeing.

DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET IN HOW TO CONNECT


Tips on how to Relax

Relaxing is a really simple concept, but can be really difficult to do!

DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET ON HOW TO RELAX

 

 

Links and Resourses

Beyondblue

Beyondblue
is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to
address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders
in Australia.

They have a huge range of
information about depression and anxiety, including Fact Sheets about
depression and anxiety for LGBT people.

For more information and resources please visit http://www.beyondblue.org.au/

LGBT Accessible Counselling

You can also search for other psychologists on www.goodtherapy.com.au

LGBT Mental Health Resources

 Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources

  • Mental Health Connect -
    A gateway to issues surrounding mental health care and your first step
    to finding relevant support and resources to meet your needs.
  • Mental Health Australia Queensland - provides
    quality early intervention mental health services and programs that
    support the community to make mental health connections, develop mental
    health literacy and participate in employment as a foundation for
    recovery.
  • Mental Health Information Line 1300
    729 686 (9am to 7pm, Mon to Fri)
  • SANE Australia - Mental health related information, tips, links and online help.
  • GROW - Details of weekly depression and anxiety-related support group meetings, various social activities.
  • Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia - a
    non-government, not-for-profit, grassroots, self-help, support and
    advocacy organisation with branches in every state and territory
    dedicated to helping people with serious mental illnesses, their
    families and friends. Such illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar
    disorder, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety
    disorders.
  • Black Dog Institute
    - Information on depression and Bipolar Disorder - specifically looking
    at causes, treatments, symptoms, getting help and current research
    findings.
  • Blue Pages
    - Comprehensive, evidence-based information about depression and its
    treatment (including medical, psychological and alternative therapies).
    BluePages also includes interactive depression and anxiety quizzes,
    descriptions of the experience and symptoms of depression, a relaxation
    download, and extensive resources for help. Participation is free and
    anonymous.
  • ARAFMI (Association for Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill) -Provides information on support services for families and friends of people with mental illness and/or psychiatric disability. 
  • Good Therapy - Comprehensive list of psychologists.  Information about what to expect from therapy and tips on how to find a therapist.
  • Lifeline - Provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental heatlh support services.
  • Reach Out! - Young people-focused information and advice on how to prevent and manage tough times - including an interactive program.
  • Kids Help Line - Email and web counselling for children and young people aged between five and18 years.
  • Headspace - Information an referral for young people on a range of mental health issues.
  • eCentreClinic - Free online treatment courses for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, social phobia, panic, worry, and chronic pain.
  • Virtual Clinic - Free Internet-based education and treatment programs for people with anxiety and depression.

Suicide Prevention Resources

  • SuicideLine
    - Information on why a person becomes suicidal, how to help someone who
    is suicidal, what to do in an emergency and how to cope with a death by
    suicide.
  • Suicide Prevention Australia - Links and referrals to suicide prevention related helplines and services throughout Australia.
  • Suicide Call Back Service - Information and referral to assist people at risk of suicide, their carers, and people bereaved by the suicide of a loved one.

LGBT accessible Medical Centres

 Stonewall Medical Centre
52 Newmarket Rd, Windsor
(07) 3857 1222

Gladstone Road Medical Centre
38 Gladstone Rd, Highgate Hill
(07) 3844 9599

Central Brunswick Medical Centre
Cnr. Brunswick St and Martin St, Fortitude Valley
(07) 3852 2733

 

For Immediate Assistance

If you feeling like you need to speak to someone right now, please contact one of these support organisations.

Gayline and Lesbian Line
www.glwa.org.au
1800 184 527 (7 to 10pm)

Lifeline
www.lifeline.org.au
13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
1300 659 467

Kids Helpline
www.kidshelp.com.au
1800 55 1800

PA Acute Care Team

(07) 3176 1203

Mental Health Information Line   

1300
729 686 (9am to 7pm, Mon to Fri)


 

Addtional Information and Research about LGBT Mental Health